When the phrase ‘my cup of tea’ is used, it often refers to something that a person likes, whether it’s the right flavor, perfectly steeped, or exciting. There is quite literally a flavor for everyone. My flavor happens to be Earl Grey, but there are literally hundreds of other flavors of tea to choose from. When it comes to soccer the same thing is quite true. Teams from all over the world have a clear identity, representing the country and culture they reside in. My cup of tea is U.S. women’s soccer. I’m not the only one.

Who can forget the iconic moment from the 2019 Women’s World Cup Semifinal against England when Alex Morgan celebrated her game-winning goal by miming taking a sip of tea? This victory celebration sparked discussion from pundits and social media. The debate centered on if she was being rude or too aggressive against England, a country known for its love of tea. Say what you like, whether you agree or not, people were talking about women’s soccer.

Jonathan Ward had that Alex Morgan moment in mind when he named his podcast Our Cup of Tea, “She caused controversy and people to talk. To change concepts of how the women’s game is viewed. It is only going to get better just having conversations.” Our Cup of Tea podcast focuses on dishing about all aspects of women’s soccer. Coverage includes USWNT, NWSL, W-League, FA WSL, WPSL, UWS, women’s soccer news, topics that are important, and the occasional guest. The show literally covers the entire spectrum of women’s soccer and ONLY women’s soccer.

Women’s soccer is on the rise not only in the United States, but all around the world. “Viewership was highlighted this summer with a record 653,000 viewers for the championship of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup” per the NWSL. With the rise in popularity, more outlets are necessary to provide commentary surrounding the athletes and the sport. Adult fans want to be kept apprised of trade deals with their favorite women’s players, game announcements, and recaps.

Elisabeth Schendel and Ward decided to use podcasts as their vehicle of choice to continue the discussions started around the 2019 Women’s World Cup, “Podcasts reach a different demographic. Most women’s soccer markets to young girls and players as role models. What happens when those young girls grow up and drink beer and buy jerseys and season tickets? How do we reach them? These women have jobs and listen to podcasts in the car on their commute.”

As a fan of women’s soccer and podcasts, I have several soccer shows in my library to listen to on long runs or the commute into work, but it is difficult to find a show that focuses solely on women’s soccer. I want a breakdown of the technical aspect, trades that are happening in the NWSL, and expansion news. I am craving good women’s soccer analysis and coverage in one central location.

Specific podcasts dedicated to women’s soccer are in their infancy. Starting June 15, 2020, Meg Linehan (who is the only paid full-time women’s soccer journalist, hence the name of her show) launched her podcast. According to The Athletic, “Full Time with Meg Linehan is a weekly soccer podcast expanding The Athletic’s coverage of the U.S. women’s national team, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the larger world of international soccer.” There are female soccer players (Julie Foudy and Kelly O’Hara) hosting general sports podcasts, while they may interview the occasional women’s soccer player, neither of them cover soccer exclusively.

Not only is Our Cup of Tea a podcast about women’s soccer, but it originally featured Schendel’s highly competent female voice. Schendel shares, “There needs to be more women’s voices. It’s awesome that Jon is lending his voice and platform.” Hearing a woman’s voice knowledgeably delivering game information is also embarking on new frontiers, but it shouldn’t be shocking or surprising in this century. If we can put women in outer space and the operating room, why can’t they be great soccer technical experts? On Our Cup of Tea you will hear the player analysis and technical skills moving beyond the antiquated commentary of their lifestyles or where they went to university. When you listen, you shouldn’t be thinking oh she’s good for a woman. You can feel confident that she’s good. Period.

Since its inception a few short months ago, Our Cup of Tea has already multiplied its impact on women’s soccer. They are bringing in two women, Satara Murray and Harlie Ford, to take over hosting the show. Schendel will be moving on to focus on media and podcasting with Cal Storm. Ward has already been the lead on the podcast UWS Weekly, dedicated to the exclusive coverage of the UWS league.

Satara Murray played for Liverpool FC and Houston Dash and won a National Collegiate Championship with THE NC Tarheels. Harlie Ford plays in the UWS with Unity FC and college for Webber International University in the Sun Conference. These are two soccer savvy women who can intelligently speak to all aspects of soccer, especially the women’s game. This will be a joy to listen to their examinations of women’s soccer current information, satisfying my need for in-depth comprehension.

Supporting women’s soccer is not just about watching a game, but about women being in all aspects of the game they love, including media. “Yes, I want to see more women be successful in sport. I want to see more women coach. You see Jill Ellis out there representing. I think of myself as a member of the women’s soccer community. I talk about the women’s game more than the men’s. More people need to talk about it and that’s what I’m there to do.” Hearing Ward say this was genuine. There was no World Cup-winning bandwagon as we talked about multiple aspects of the game. Ward appreciates the nuance and style of play the women’s game possesses and wants to contribute even more.

We can now add Our Cup of Tea to the list of exclusive women’s soccer coverage, hopefully followed by many more podcasts dedicated not just to the sport, but following each women’s soccer league and team. Looking at the future a podcast covering women’s soccer with two female hosts should not be unique but should be a normal part of the sports landscape.

“And that’s the TEA!”

You can find Our Cup of Tea on Apple podcasts, YouTube, and Twitter.