Kick In & Support the Players NET!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why does this fund exist?
A. Support The Players National Emergency Trust (NET) is a trust fund that was established to provide financial assistance to any current or former player who is a member in good standing of the NWSL Players Association. NET was developed in direct response to the many players who shared the financial hardships they experienced while pursuing a professional soccer career.
Q. Who can apply?
A. Any current or former player who is a member in good standing of the NWSL Players Association. Any retired/former player who has signed a contract to play professional soccer in the WUSA, WPS, or NWSL and/or a current player in the NWSL who is a member of the NWSL Players Association is eligible to apply for funding.
Q. Are there funds available for former players?
A. All current and former players who are members in good standing of the NWSL Players Association are eligible to apply for funding.
Q. What can I apply for?
A. Financial support is available for, yet not limited to the following: food, housing, utilities, transportation, childcare, care for immediate family, medical needs, uninsured medical needs, relocation expenses, and mental health needs (i.e. out-of-pocket costs for counseling or therapy). Other needs outside of this list will be taken into consideration.
Q. When can I apply for funding?
A. You can apply for funding as soon as you are a confirmed member in good standing of the NWSL Players Association. Applications will open in January 2022.
Q. What qualifications do I need to apply?
A. All applicants must be members in good standing with the NWSL Players Association. All applicants must provide and demonstrate a financial need through the application process. Information provided will be kept confidential and not shared except in the aggregate purposes of evaluation program impact. The specific requirements for the application will be sent with the application.
Q. How often can I apply for funding?
A. There is no limit to how often you can apply for emergency funds as long as you can demonstrate a financial need. Trustees will exercise their sound discretion in administering these funds.
Q. How much can I apply for?
A. Trustees will exercise their sound discretion in administering funds, therefore partial awards may be granted, accounting for the funds available and the unmet need of all eligible applicants.
Q. Who makes decisions for this fund?
A. Decisions for this fund are made by the NET Trustees who are appointed by the NWSLPA. The criteria and assessment process are created with input from members. These criteria and processes will be reviewed periodically and revised as necessary by Trustees to accommodate the needs of the members.
Q. When will funding be awarded?
A. Trustees will do their best to review all fully documented applications within thirty days of receipt. Once approved, payments will be issued within 15 days of approval. Recipients will receive 100% of their grant funds.
Q. How is money raised for the fund?
A. The NET will raise funds from many sources, including but not limited to fans, sponsors, foundations, organizations, and private businesses. We hope that you will join us in supporting the players!
Q. How long will this fund last?
A. This fund will last until the need for financial assistance is no longer necessary.
Q. What is the selection process for awarding funding?
A. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis. Only complete and qualifying applications are considered for review. Selections will be determined based on available funding and at the discretion of the Trustees. More information and the application form will be available on a private portal established for members.
Q. What if my application is not granted?
A. Qualified applications not selected in the initial application period will be carried over to subsequent funding opportunities. You do not need to reapply if not selected. In the event an application is declined, a request for reconsideration may be made at any time.
Q. When will I receive funding if my application is granted?
A. Once final documentation and approval is finalized, payments will go out within 15 days from the date of approval.
Q. How is funding delivered to me?
A. Funding will generally be made directly to the required payee by the Trustees. In some cases, checks will be written to the players for more basic needs, which will be determined solely by the Trustees.
Q. What kind of financial information and/or follow-up will I have to provide?
A. The NET is a grant program designed to provide immediate relief for members. Members who receive grant money will be required to provide documentation to confirm that the funds were used in the manner for which the grant was approved within 6 months of receipt of funds.
Q. Do I have to repay the funds?
A. These grants are not considered loans and do not need to be repaid (provided the grant is used by the member for the need set out in the application).
Q. Is this funding taxable?
A. These funds are grants, not loans, and may be considered income to a member. You should consult with your tax advisor regarding your specific grant.
Q. Are applications anonymous?
A. All information disclosed on the grant application is confidential.
Q. Can I retroactively get reimbursed for expenses?
A. Yes, potentially. The Trustees will consider grants toward already incurred expenses.
Q. Do I have an option to tell my story for the future of the fund publicly?
A. Yes! Your story will be kept confidential, but you have the option to share your story. Sharing your story is not a requirement to apply for or receive funds. However, your story as to how NWSLPA and NET provided support in a time of need may help grow the fund to provide more support to players.
Q. How do I submit an application?
A. You can submit an application by visiting the “Application” section of this website.
Q. What can I do to support the NET?
A. To support the NET, please consider making a financial donation to the fund. Help us spread the word, and encourage others to donate to support players in need. We are all in this together.
Q. How long until I hear back from the NET?
A. Once your application is received and your NWSLPA membership is verified, your application will be reviewed by the Trustees. If awarded, you will receive funding within 15 days of the award date.
