ISSUE CONCACAF.com
WEBB HAILS SUCCESS OF FIFA WOMEN’S U-17 WORLD CUP IN COSTA RICA
4
MAR/APR
2014
FACTS AND FIGURES • The 24 first-round matches drew a total attendance of 209,658, setting a new competition record. • The final on April 4, was contested between Japan and Spain at the 35,000 seat Estadio Nacional. Japan won 2-0 against Spain. • Over the next 15 months, CONCACAF will remain at the center of the women’s football world as Canada prepares to host both the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. • There are 31 women’s football leagues in CONCACAF member associations. • In order to intensify development work in this area of the game, the Confederation plans on introducing an under-15 national team competition.
CONCACAF BECOMES CENTER OF WOMEN’S GAME AS CANADA PREPARES TO HOST PAIR OF GLOBAL EVENTS April 3 CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb praised the Costa Rican Football Federation, the Local Organizing Committee and the government for their successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. He asserted that record-breaking crowds in host cities Alajuela, Liberia, Tibas and San Jose, are evidence that the women’s game will continue to grow in the region.
“We are honored to help provide a leadership role for the women’s game in CONCACAF and around the world, so we are very excited to be hosting the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. Between this tournament in Costa Rica and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada later this year, we feel 2014 will be the perfect launching pad for bigger and better things for women’s football in 2015.” – VICTOR MONTAGLIANI President of the Canadian Soccer Association and Chairman of the National Organising Committee for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015
“It raises the profile of women’s football in the host nation. In addition, the country itself is promoted to a global audience. The income that can be generated by traveling team delegations and their supporters, in terms of airline bookings, accommodations and food, is obvious. The growing sports tourism sector should not be underestimated.” – SONIA BIEN-AIME General Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association and a member of both the FIFA and CONCACAF Executive Committees
“The enthusiasm and commitment of Costa Rican football fans has once again been displayed throughout what has been an extremely successful tournament. This competition has been yet another indication of the growth of the women’s game globally and specifically here in the CONCACAF region.” – JEFFREY WEBB CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice-President
“This tournament has been significant in that it has allowed us to show Costa Rica and its people to the world. Our passion for women’s football has helped to raise awareness of our hospitality, our culture and our traditions. We are a country small in size, but vast in ideals that promote healthy recreation.” – EDUARDO LI SANCHEZ Costa Rican Football Federation President
“FIFA and CONCACAF are working together very closely for the development of football in the confederation. One important pillar is women’s football – and the moment couldn’t be more perfect to do so with the organization of three FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2014 and 2015 in that region. Capacity building, player development, raising awareness and promotion are staying in the focus of this cooperation.” – JÜRG NEPFER Head of Education & Technical Development at FIFA