March 18 – If you’re good enough, you’re old enough has always been an adage of football – and Gotham FC, of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), certainly embrace that because in the 87th minute of their season opener against Seattle Reign, head coach Juan Carlos Amoros sent on 14-year-old Mak Whitham (pictured), who became the youngest player in NWSL history.
Whitham’s opportunity came about because Mandy Freeman received a red card with just a few minutes left on the clock. The youngster saw seven minutes of action and told ESPN post-match that Amoros’s instruction were simple and to the point saying: “Enjoy the game and just be you.”
Last year, while 13, Whitham signed a four-year guaranteed contract with Gotham, which runs through 2028, thus becoming the first Gotham player to use the NWSL’s U18 entry mechanism. This was established in 2022 after Olivia Moultrie sued the league for her right to play as an U18 player.
“I’ve always kind of been playing up at a high level, so I’ve just been motivated to be the best and just give 100 percent effort. And, I mean, just because they’re older, it doesn’t scare me,” Whitham told The Athletic last year.
Players signed to the U18 mechanism cannot be waived or traded by their club until they turn 18, unless they have parental or guardian consent. Players must also live with or be under parental guardianship until their 18th birthday.
Gotham will also have to have an eye on state law, because in New Jersey, where Gotham play their home games, the law prevents 14 and 15-year-olds from working past 7pm during the school year. That can be extended to 9pm in the summer with parental permission.
Gotham general manager Yael Averbuch West understands the challenges of having a player so young on the professional books, stating last year: “We would never bring a player into our environment who isn’t ready, mentally and physically, to train like every other player here, and Mak doesn’t just fit right in but has been a great contributor to the group.
“(She has) consistency in terms of her technical execution under pressure, (her) tactical understanding, and she has some really amazing physical talents that make her an exciting prospect. So, we feel like she has the full picture, in addition to a really great mindset.”
The cautionary tale in this remarkable rise to the professional game is Freddy Adu. The young phenom, who was compared to Pele, exploded into national consciousness with DC United and went on to represent 14 other clubs, while never truly reaching his expected potential.
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