Margaret “Midge” Purce headlines EA Sports’ latest “Powered by Football” campaign. The video highlights Purce’s contributions on and off the pitch through her time with the USWNT and the Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC).
As a modern-day athlete-influencer-activist, Purce is a leader among the next generation of female athletes. She dedicates her time to making a positive impact both in sports and in the community.
2022 is “Powered by Midge”
Her Football Hub had the pleasure of talking with Purce about her ambitions for 2022. She discussed what she looks forward to, including her goals for club and country.
This past January, Purce signed a two-year contract extension with NJ/NY Gotham FC. The new contract more than symbolizes how Purce feels about getting back to work with the club.
“I feel like Gotham is a really good home for me. I love not just the energy of New Jersey/New York, but I’m really enjoying the staff and their commitment to progressing the game.”
As Gotham’s top goal-scorer in 2021, Purce is also thrilled about the club’s latest reinforcements.
“I’m really excited to be back and I’m just excited about the huge signings we’ve had. I think Kristie Mewis is going to be an insane piece to add to our attack. Ashlyn and Ali just speak for themselves, and they’ve already been an amazing addition to the locker room.”
Giving 100% at the SheBelieves Cup
On the national side, Purce just completed a successful week with the USWNT. She appeared in all three of the team’s 2022 SheBelieves Cup games, where the team secured their fifth tournament title.
The tournament itself was an excellent opportunity for the national team to experience uncommon opponents. Heading into it, Purce was determined as ever to get back onto the pitch for her country.
“I think every game the national team approaches is exactly the same. And that’s how we’re, for lack of a better word, conditioned to approach the game. You’re there to win. And it doesn’t matter who you’re playing. You’re supposed to give 100% and you’re expected to be of the highest quality of yourself to make the game as high quality as possible. So I’m excited. But more so ready.”
Purce was a major attacking threat throughout the tournament. She even supplied her new Gotham teammate Kirstie Mewis with an assist minutes after entering late in the game against Iceland.
As Purce assured, “I think that no matter who we’re playing, there’s always something to take from it.”
Being a community game changer
Off the pitch, Purce is enthusiastic about her involvement as the Executive Director of the BWPC.
Founded in October 2020 by black players within the NWSL, the BWPC aims to elevate new opportunities for black girls in sport. It also extends beyond the playing field to provide support in education, mentorship, and community.
The BWPC is just getting started for Purce, but the experience has already been rewarding.
“We’re babies in the nonprofit world,” said Purce, “and I’m truly so proud of the women in this league who have come together to create something that I think is really special.”
The pandemic has created a roadblock for many initiatives over the last two years. Yet, the BWPC has been hard at work during that time to install mini-pitches and host soccer clinics.
“[In 2022], I think we’re continuing our many clinics, and that is one of my favorite projects that we continue to do. Just being able to be face to face with a lot of the girls and women who we want to impact is really special for us. I think a better word is privileged.”
To learn more about the Black Women’s Player Collective, you can follow the organization on Twitter and Instagram.
