The newest franchise in the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), Jersey Shore Wave, is getting ready to kick off its first season on March 29 against the Chicago Winds with tickets on sale via the team’s website.
Team owner and WNFC Board Member Dawn Sherman says she is thrilled to not only grow the game of women’s football but also to increase women’s representation in sports overall, promoting greater equality.
“Having lived in New Jersey for many years, it is an honor to be the owner of the newest addition to the Women’s National Football Conference,” Sherman said. “It is a personal ambition of mine to drive equity for women broadly. Owning a professional women’s tackle football team gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important role of women in sports and to address the critical issue of the pay gap for women who compete and give their all just like men. General awareness, recognition, game attendance and pay all continue to lag behind sports played by men. It is time for all of this to change.”
Jersey Shore Wave will play its inaugural season at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. The nearly 100-year-old, newly renovated stadium was home to baseball’s Negro League in the 1930s and 40s. Hinchliffe now takes another momentous step, in hosting the Jersey Shore Wave.
“We are thrilled to host the Jersey Shore Wave in its inaugural season here at Hinchliffe Stadium. Hinchliffe has always been at the forefront of progress, and our partnership with the Wave will add to the storied history of Hinchliffe Stadium,” Bryan Verhasselt, general manager at the Hinchliffe Property District.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh celebrates the Wave’s move to play at Hinchliffe Stadium as an impactful way to show the community’s support for athletic excellence in female sports. “I am elated to welcome the Jersey Shore Wave to Paterson for their inaugural season,” Sayegh said. “This partnership represents more than just a game; it celebrates progress, equality and opportunity. Supporting women athletes is crucial to showcase their talent and determination and to inspire the youth of Paterson to dream big and see what’s possible.”
“At present, players in the WNFC are not paid. One of our primary goals is to pay our players a living wage. Everyone involved from players to owners, and everyone in between, believes in the potential of this league and is committed to putting in time and effort to grow the game until our goal becomes a reality,” Jersey Shore Wave President Jared Ferko said.
