Is the future of football female?

America leads the way in women's football

Traditionally a game associated with men, women's football is the fastest-growing sport in the world.

But while in most countries it remains difficult for women to make a living from the game, in the country that insists on referring to the sport as soccer, female football is thriving.

"All along people have looked at this country as the land of opportunity," a spokesman for the New York Power team proudly told BBC World Service.

"Here we are again with the opportunity for any woman soccer player to come over here and try to succeed."

Star player

Although Major League Soccer is still ranked well below the traditional American sports such as basketball and baseball, some 7.5 million American girls regularly play football.

Hamm has become a sporting icon

As the sport works to secure professional status, players like30-year-old Mia Hamm and her fellow world champions are stealing the football limelight in their homeland.

In addition to being named Fifa World Women's Player of the Year 2001, People Magazine recently listed Hamm amongst the 50 most beautiful people.

Despite all of this attention she is undaunted by the country's expectations.

"I don't look at pressure from outside forces," she explained.

"I look at what my expectations are of myself and my own game. Everyday I want to be better, everyday I want to win."

Regarded as one of the game's greatest assets, Ms Hamm has become an icon to rival England's David Beckham.

"She's a tremendous player and a great goal scorer, but also a great personality and she is good looking," Patrick Farmer, head coach for the New York Power team explained.

Accreditation

Milbrett fights for the game

Success in the US is however not all down to beauty. Founded in April 2001, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) has been largely credited with raising the profile of the game.

It began by launching eight female teams including the Long Island based Power team.

Their star player, Tiffeny Milbrett, told the Everywoman programme how she believes that the league must now withstand the test of time if it is to have a wider impact.

"Soccer is a struggling commodity in the US," she explained.

"What we have to do is to try to sell the sport."

"With the WUSA we need a good five solid years to really make sure that this league will stay around forever."