New Women's Manager, Ready For UWS Action

WICHITA, KS - FC Wichita is pleased to announce the hiring of new United Women's Soccer League head coach, Ashley Burnett-Cordeiro, a Carnoustie, Scotland native.

Ashley has degrees in sports coaching, exercise science, as well as a Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing. In addition, she holds a United States Soccer Federation National C coaching license and is the current women's head coach at Pratt County College.

Prior to coaching Burnett-Cordeiro's talent shined well enough on the pitch to eventually pivot to the professional ranks, logging minutes for Scottish clubs Monifieth Ladies FC and Dundee United Ladies FC. She also found success domestically, playing three seasons in the second-tier Women's Premier Soccer League as a member of the Tulsa Spirit and North Bay (Ca.) Wave. 

Ashley is no stranger to FC Wichita. She has coached in the youth club and spent two years on the WPSL women's staff as an assistant under legendary head coach Sammy Lane, who she also played for at Hutchinson Community College.

"First, thank you to Blake Shumaker for providing me with this great opportunity to lead the team this summer. I'm really excited to get started and continue to build something special here in Wichita. Playing in this league is such a great opportunity for young ladies to stay in shape over the summer, prepare for the season in the fall, and play alongside some serious talent. There is a lot of high quality players here in Wichita from high school players to current college players that we're excited to showcase this summer."  - Ashley Burnett-Cordeiro 

Another fun fact, the married name "Burnett-Cordeiro" comes after a recent marriage to Lucas Cordeiro who has also been on the FC Wichita staff since 2018. Although it may seem the pair met in Wichita, the relationship actually goes back to their days as students at Oklahoma Wesleyan College, where both stood out on the pitch and her husband might just have notched All-American status a time or two. During those years Ashley coached youth soccer for Northeast Oklahoma Soccer Club ("NEO"). 

FC Wichita opens up the season on Saturday, May 14 as they host Side FC 92 (Tulsa, Ok) at Stryker Stadium (Wichita, KS). The day being dubbed as the "Wichita Soccer Party" will see the club play host to numerous events throughout the day including the kickoff of both the Women's and the Men's season. (See Below)

“The UWS Central Conference has proven to be a fantastic soccer market with well-established clubs and quality players,” said Heartland Division Commissioner Wendy Louque. “We’re excited about the realignment of the Heartland Division to be able to play teams from Arkansas and Tulsa, in addition to a second team in the Omaha market. I expect some good, competitive matches that will challenge all of our athletes this summer.”

Division action kicks off on Saturday, May 14

On March 31, 2022, the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) officially announced the alignment and schedule for the 2022 Heartland Division as part of the new Central Conference which consists of seventeen teams. Seven teams from the Heartland Division will take the pitch this season.

2022 Heartland Division Alignment

Arkansas Comets

Arkansas Wolves

FC Wichita

Gretna Elite Academy

KC Courage

Side FC 92

Sporting Nebraska

After the FC Wichita women open up the season on Saturday, the following day KC Courage will face expansion team Sporting Nebraska at Avila University (Kansas City, MO). The Arkansas Comets will make their debut against Gretna Elite Academy on Saturday, May 21 at Har-Ber Stadium (Springdale, AR). Former UWS League Two team Arkansas Wolves will also host Sporting Nebraska at Lewis Stadium (Benton, AR).

PLAYOFF STRUCTURE

The top seed of the Heartland Division will face the winner of the Midwest & Great Lakes Division playoff on Saturday, July 16. The champion of the Central Conference will advance to the four-team UWS National Championship held between July 21-24.

WANT TO JOIN THE TEAM

FC Wichita UWS League 1: Women's players who are of the ages between High School Senior and College Senior age can submit their CV and video easily. The coaching staff will review for consideration. CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE FORM

FC Wichita UWS League 2: Women's players whom are of the birth year between 2007-2006 can submit their CV and video to the club and request and onsite scouting during their High School season. This allows 2006-2007 birth year players for consideration in both the semi-professional UWS League 2 and the Fall '22 based ECNL Regional League club season.  CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE FORM

WICHITA SOCCER PARTY - MAY 14TH 

The day will start with ECNL Regional League girls (2009/2008) at 12:00 P.M. against Sporting Iowa (Des Moines, IA), followed by the women at 3:00 P.M., youth appreciation and parade of teams at 5:00 P.M., and concluding with the USL2 men's team at 7:00 P.M. who will host the Springfield Athletic (Springfield, ILL). 

What to expect?

Family. Friends. Soccer. Music. Concessions w/Adult Beverages.