SAM KERR will become the W-League's first marquee signing. Football Federation Australia will "support Kerr's re-signing with Perth Glory through its marquee player fund," which has in the past only been available for A-League clubs. FFA CEO DAVID GALLOP described the decision as "critical to the growth of the women's game in Australia" (London GUARDIAN, 10/4). ... American Gold Medal-winning ice hockey player ANGELA RUGGIERO said that she "hopes her pledge to donate her brain to concussion research would encourage other female athletes to do the same so scientists could gain a fuller picture of the problem." Ruggiero, who retired in '11, said that medical research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy "would benefit from greater female participation" (REUTERS, 10/3). ... Arsenal defender HÉCTOR BELLERÍN believes footballers have a responsibility to be "more vocal about issues outside the sport." The 23-year-old said that the football industry "does not encourage players to speak out" (BBC, 10/3).
GOOD CATCH: Swedish football club Hammarby midfielder KENNEDY BAKIRCIOGLU scored a "stunning" 30-yard goal against Gothenburg this week -- but it is "not the goal that will go down in history." After scoring, the 37-year-old "started a frenzied race with his teammates" toward the corner flag, and a fan "decided to throw him a beer." Bakircioglu caught the beer and downed it (VICE, 10/3).