Growing the game: Bay FC’s inaugural season continues to inspire the next generation of female soccer players

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KION) - Bay FC's inaugural season is well underway, and already the team is seeing its dedicated fanbase continue to grow.

Defender Kayla Sharples says players have even felt the impact on the pitch.

"The fans are truly the 12th man out there," Sharples said. "During the 90th minute, we heard them screaming and shouting 'Bay-FC-Bay-FC' and I just want to say they are so special and it means the world to us. It really does inspire us and motivate us."

While Bay FC is a young franchise, it not only sold out its first-ever home match, it has seen a steady number of supporters since then, welcoming over 10,000 fans to PayPal Park each match.

But the team's influence reaches well beyond the pitch, providing young girls like Reese with positive female role models.

"It's really cool to see people like us and see how we can be like them someday," Reese said.

Fans like Beth Charvonia from San Jose, recognize the importance of bringing professional women's sports to the Bay Area.

"I grew up playing soccer as well," Charvonia said, "Having these ladies as role models is huge for kids."