Welcome to Females For Football

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Merrick Nguyen

Merrick Nguyen is a dedicated advocate for gender equality in sports, particularly in the realm of football. As the Co-Founder and President of Females for Football, he has played a pivotal role in championing the rights and opportunities for women in the sport. Merrick's passion for promoting female participation in football is deeply rooted in his personal life. As a father of three daughters, he understands the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment where girls can pursue their athletic dreams. Merrick is driven to create change and empower girls to excel in the sport they love.

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 Merrick started playing tackle football at the young age of 10 and quickly fell in love with the game. Throughout his high school years at Loara High School in Anaheim, he showcased his skills as a talented linebacker and fullback. His exceptional performance on the field did not go unnoticed. Merrick was named the Empire League Defensive Player of the Year and earned the prestigious honor of being selected as a 1st Team All-CIF Defensive Player. These accolades solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the football field. After high school, Merrick pursued his dream of playing at the collegiate level and joined the Cal Football team (UC Berkeley) as a linebacker. Although his playing career came to an early end at the age of 20, he remained dedicated to the sport and found a new role as a student equipment manager for the Cal Football team. This experience allowed him to be in close proximity to some of the greatest football talents, many of whom went on to become professional players in the NFL. Being fortunate enough to work alongside NFL stars such as Marshawn Lynch, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Forsett, DeSean Jackson, LP Ladouceur, Lorenzo Alexander, Scott Fujita, Kyle Boller, JJ Arington, Chris Manderino, Langston Walker, Adimchinobe Echemandu, and Nnamdi Asomugha, Merrick gained invaluable insights and knowledge about the game.

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With a strong belief in the transformative power of football, Merrick has dedicated himself to breaking down societal norms and challenging the status quo. Through Females for Football, he strives to provide resources, support, and mentorship to aspiring female football players, coaches, and enthusiasts. Under his leadership, the organization has become a driving force in promoting gender equality, fostering opportunities, and advocating for fair representation in football. Merrick's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond his role in Females for Football. He actively engages with the broader football community, partnering with schools, clubs, and organizations to create meaningful change. His efforts have resulted in the implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at increasing female participation at all levels of the sport. Recognizing the importance of education and awareness, Merrick is a vocal proponent of promoting dialogue and understanding around the challenges faced by women in football.  Merrick's vision for Females for Football is a future where gender is not a barrier to participation and success in football. Through his relentless dedication, he strives to create a world where his daughters and countless other young girls can pursue their football dreams with confidence, knowing that they are supported, valued, and celebrated in the sport they love.

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Niza Oun-Nguyen

Niza Oun-Nguyen is a passionate advocate for gender equality and a driving force behind the success of Females for Football. With an unwavering commitment to empowering women in the world of sports, Niza serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the organization.
 

Niza developed a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity from an early age. She recognized the glaring gender disparities that exist within the football industry and was determined to make a difference. 

Niza envisioned a world where women's football receives the recognition and support it deserves. Together with Merrick's shared passion and vision, led to the establishment of Females for Football, an organization dedicated to championing gender equality, promoting women's participation in football, and breaking down the barriers that hinder their progress.

As the Chief Operating Officer, Niza plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operations of Females for Football. She spearheads strategic initiatives, collaborates with stakeholders, and develops partnerships to advance the organization's mission. Niza's strong leadership skills, coupled with her exceptional organizational abilities, ensure that Females for Football operates smoothly and efficiently.

Niza is a dynamic and influential figure within the community, known for her compelling advocacy work. She has been invited to speak at numerous conferences and events, where she passionately addresses the importance of women's empowerment in various aspects of life, including education, career, and sports. Her ability to articulate the challenges faced by women in various industries, combined with her innovative ideas, has garnered widespread recognition and support for Females for Football.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Niza is deeply committed to mentoring young girls and aspiring female athletes. She actively engages with communities, schools, and grassroots organizations to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders. Through her leadership and dedication, Niza continues to shatter stereotypes, challenge gender norms, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in football.

Niza's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have made her a true catalyst for change. Through her role as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Females for Football, she remains at the forefront of the movement to transform women's participation in football and create a more equitable sports industry.