Gotham FC makes history with the youngest signing in NWSL history after acquiring 13 year-old Mak Whitham. The forward has made appearances for the Women’s U18 team and joins the club through the Early Entry Mechanism put in place by the league to keep top players. Her contract won’t go into affect until January 1, 2025.
Whitham, who turns 14 this weekend, has been a non-roster invitee with Gotham for most of the 2024 season. She made preseason appearances with the club, scoring against Deportivo Cali in the Women’s Cup Columbia, sending the club to the final.
“Mak has worked incredibly hard at training and earned this opportunity,” said head coach Juan Carlos Amoros. “This is an important next step for Mak and the club, as we look to build for the future.”
Whitham isn’t new to the league as she previously trained with the Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit before Gotham. She even trained with the LAFC boys academy in MLS Next.
“Gotham FC is a great place to continue to push myself,” said Whitham. “I can’t wait to get to work and continue to grow as a player with great players, coaches and staff at Gotham FC.”
Gotham is in the midst of Summer Cup, pitting NWSL and Liga MX Femenil teams against each other. The team will have their first taste of competition against a Mexican club next Friday against Chivas de Guadelajara. Currently they have one win over the Chicago Red Stars and will play the Washington Spirit on Sunday.
