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A 14-year-old is in the National Women's Soccer League. What protections does she have?

Mak Whitham, at 14, has become the youngest player to participate in a National Women's Soccer League game, playing for NJ/NY Gotham in a 1-1 draw against Seattle.
She also holds the record for being the youngest player to sign a name, image, and likeness deal with Nike.
The NWSL has protections for under-18 players, including medical evaluations and the requirement to live with a parent or guardian.
Charlotte Gibson remarked on the unique challenges of having young players like Whitham in the league, stating they are 'kind of guinea pigs right now.

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Georgia Public Broadcasting

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A 14-year-old is in the National Women's Soccer League. What protections does she have?

McKenna 'Mak' Whitham made history this season as the youngest athlete in the NWSL. Here's what protections young professional athletes like her have.

14 days ago·Georgia, United States

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Newser

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14-Year-Old Just Made Women's Soccer History

Mak Whitham took the field for NJ/NY Gotham over the weekend and carved out a milestone in women's soccer for herself as a bonus. The 14-year-old is now the youngest-ever to play in a National Women's Soccer League game, reports the Athletic . The moment came late—in stoppage time—in...

14 days ago·Miami, United States

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CNN

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McKenna Whitham, 14, becomes youngest player in NWSL history in substitute appearance for Gotham

NJ/NY Gotham’s 14-year-old McKenna Whitham broke yet another record on Saturday when she became the youngest player to appear in an NWSL regular season match.

14 days ago·Atlanta, United States

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ESPN

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Whitham, 14 makes NWSL history as youngest player

McKenna Whitham, 14, became the youngest-ever footballer to play in the NWSL after coming off the bench in NJ/NY Gotham FC's season opener against Seattle Reign.

15 days ago·United States

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HudPost

Gotham FC’s Mak Whitham Becomes Youngest Player in NWSL History in Season Opener

Gotham FC, Hudson County’s only professional female sports team, opened its 2025 season with a 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign FC on Saturday night. The game made history when 14-year-old Mak Whitham became the youngest player ever to appear in an NWSL regular-season match, entering as a stoppage-time substitute.Brazilian forward Gabi Portilho scored in the 47th minute, becoming the first Brazilian to net a goal in her NWSL debut. Seattle equaliz…

13 days ago

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