The National Women's Soccer League will become the first professional sports league to return to action later this month.

When Sky Blue FC players were able to finally get back together for team training earlier this month, they say they had a deeper appreciation for the game.

"I know we wanted to hug, a lot of us, which I think especially during this time a lot of us could use the human contact of love, but it was just really good to see each other," says Paige Monaghan, who is also a native of Roxbury.

The league announced its return last month to play with the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, a 25-game tournament for all nine clubs that kicks off June 27 in Utah.

"The tournament is going to come quick, it's going to come full throttle so we just want to execute and make the most of every minute and represent the metropolitan area with our team," says Monaghan.

No fans will be permitted at the tournament, and teams must adhere to safety protocols, including regular testing and temperature checks, wearing masks to and from facilities and not sharing water bottles.

"It's part of our new normal, our new daily routine, to make sure everybody is doing everything they can to keep each other safe and healthy,” says Imani Dorsey.

Players say with everything going on in the country right now, they hope their tournament can serve as a source of unity.

"This league is always very forward thinking, and the women in it are always looking to push boundaries and change the narrative around," says Dorsey.

Following the tournament, the NWSL is still undecided on if it will play any games in the fall.