Cleveland Astra: Empowering Women's Soccer in the Heart of Cleveland
Cleveland Astra, the city's first women's professional soccer team, was officially introduced by the Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG). The team is scheduled to kick off in the spring of 2028 as part of the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Pro and will call a planned downtown Cleveland soccer stadium home. Fans can now purchase team merchandise online and secure season ticket deposits.
The name "Astra," which means "stars" in Latin, was chosen to symbolize the organization's vision and the growing talent pool of women's soccer players in the region. Cleveland Astra aims to inspire and empower women to reach their full potential both on and off the field, with a focus on creating a new legacy for women's sports in the city.
The selection of the name Astra was the result of a year-long branding process that involved input from over 3,000 fans. The goal was to create a brand that resonated with the community and represented a fresh start for women's sports in Cleveland. The team's identity reflects the aspirations of fans who want to soar to new heights and break free from past limitations.
Cleveland Astra's crest design and club colors will be unveiled in 2026, along with a series of community events and soccer celebrations. The team's leadership believes that soccer has the power to unite people and strengthen communities, and they are committed to leveraging the sport to create positive outcomes for individuals and neighborhoods across Cleveland.
In addition to Cleveland Astra, the city's MLS Next Pro Soccer team Forest City Cleveland was also recently unveiled. Forest City Cleveland, shaped by input from fans in Northeast Ohio, will join MLS Next Pro in 2027. The two teams represent a new era of professional soccer in Cleveland, with a focus on community engagement and building a strong foundation for the future of the sport in the city.
In conclusion, Cleveland Astra's launch marks a significant milestone for women's soccer in the city, with a commitment to empowering female athletes and inspiring the next generation of players. The team's name and identity reflect a fresh start and a bold vision for the future of women's sports in Cleveland, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the city's soccer history.