New USL pro women’s team preseason schedule brings European football to the First Coast with two high-profile international friendlies at UNF’s Hodges Stadium
Sporting JAX has announced its complete preseason schedule ahead of its landmark debut in the Gainbridge Super League this August, featuring two historic international friendlies as part of the inaugural International Women’s Soccer Series, presented by Visit Jacksonville.
In a milestone moment for the city, Sporting JAX will host its first-ever home match on Saturday, August 2, welcoming the reigning Scottish Women’s Premier League champions, Hibernian FC Women, to Hodges Stadium. One week later, on Sunday, August 10, the club will host Wrexham AFC Women, the rising Welsh club whose story captivated global audiences thanks to celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the hit FX/Hulu documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. Both matches will kick off at 7 p.m. EST.
Sporting JAX’s Gainbridge Super League team is not easing into anything in its inaugural season. Matches against these talented squads will not only help gauge where the squad is tactically, but will also help prepare them for the grind of its first regular-season campaign.
Hibernian FC, founded in 1875 in Edinburgh, is one of the oldest and most respected football clubs in Scotland. Also known as Hibs, the Edinburgh club will spend a week-long preseason training camp in Jacksonville before playing in the historic match. After their visit to the First Coast, Hibs will return to Scotland to begin their defense of the Scottish Women’s Premier League title while participating in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Wrexham AFC Women, part of the world-renowned Wrexham organization, has quickly ascended the ranks of Welsh football. Their success both on and off the pitch has been driven by the global attention from their Hollywood ownership and the acclaimed documentary that has chronicled their journey. Wrexham Women currently compete in the Genero Adran Premier League, the top-tier women’s league in Wales.
These high-profile international matchups are part of the Sporting JAX 16-game season ticket package, along with 14 regular-season home games. Fans who have already secured season tickets will automatically receive entry to both home preseason matchups. Single-match tickets for the preseason fixtures against Hibernian and Wrexham are available for purchase now at sportingjax.com/europack or by calling (904) 863-KICK.
In addition to these bouts, Sporting JAX will travel to face fellow Gainbridge Super League side Lexington SC on Saturday, August 16, for the team’s final tune-up before the regular season opener. The club kicks off its inaugural Gainbridge Super League season on Saturday, August 23, against DC Power at 7 p.m. at Hodges Stadium. All regular and postseason matches will stream live on Peacock, and the club will announce local broadcast details in the coming weeks.
“This preseason series of matches is not just about preparing to compete; it’s about honoring our roots and stepping onto the global stage,” said Steve Livingstone, President and CEO of Sporting JAX. “Hosting Hibernian Women is especially meaningful as we pay tribute to the late Ron Gordon, a beloved friend, mentor and one of our founding investors. Ron’s leadership revitalized Hibs and helped bring Sporting JAX to life. This match is dedicated to him and the Gordon family.”
Livingstone continued, “We’re also thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC Women to the First Coast, a club whose story has captured hearts and headlines around the world. Their story has ignited incredible energy for the sport and introduced new fans to the women’s game, especially here in the U.S. They’re the perfect preseason opponent as we introduce Jacksonville’s first professional women’s sports team to the community and the world.”
Presented by Visit Jacksonville, the International Women’s Soccer Series matches will showcase the city and region to a global audience, with extensive coverage in the UK and beyond as part of the lead-up to the matches and international broadcasts. Delegations from both UK clubs will attend the match, along with hundreds of traveling fans from Scotland and Wales. Additionally, both teams will spend a week on the First Coast for preseason training.
Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam emphasized the value of a challenging preseason, saying, “Starting our preseason against a top European club like Hibernian is an exciting challenge and an important milestone for us. Following that with a matchup against a surging Wrexham side, and then facing Lexington SC, ensures we’ll be battle-ready for the inaugural season. These matches will help define our identity and further sharpen our edge to be ready to represent Jacksonville and the entire First Coast in front of our supporters for the first time.”
Preparations will begin on July 8 as Sporting JAX opens preseason training camp, followed by a pair of closed-door friendlies that will take place prior to the International Women’s Soccer Series. These matches may not affect the table, but it’s sure to be an exciting way to kick things off in the club’s inaugural season for fans and players alike.
