AXTON (WSLS 10) - Three former U.S. national team soccer players came to southwest Virginia to pass on their expertise to the next generation.
Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini made a stop in Henry County with their Team First clinic. They had dozens of kids attend from ages seven to 18.
The three retired players have five Olympic gold medals, five World Cups and 12 NCAA titles between them.
They are travelling across the country with Team First, with the hope of teaching young players both soccer skills and life skills.
The women also spoke out in favor of equal pay for current female athletes.
"I want to make sure that in the fight to increase what they get paid, that we increase the funding across the board on the girls' and the women's side," said Mia Hamm.
Several current national team players are embroiled in a battle with the U.S. Soccer Federation. They claim the women are paid only 25 percent of the men's national team, which has never won a World Cup or an Olympic gold medal.
Opponents dispute the 25 percent figure, and also argue that men's soccer has traditionally brought in more revenue. Therefore, they believe the men should be paid more.
The players threatened to strike at the Rio Olympics, where they are scheduled to defend a gold medal. A judge ruled Friday that they are not allowed to strike.