Page 3 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.3 2012-22

New international tournament on way

England will welcome three of the world’s top sides next February for the first staging of a new
annual invitational women’s tournament.
The Lionesses will be joined by Germany and Spain, both also ranked in FIFA’s top ten, in
the 2022 edition - with the fourth competing nation to be announced soon.
Fans will be treated to three double header matches played across seven days in a round-
robin format. More details for the inaugural competition, including venues and ticket information,
will be released in the coming weeks.
The annual tournament will significantly boost England’s international calendar and
ensure Sarina Wiegman’s squad regularly face world class opposition, starting with the build-up to
next summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO on home soil and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
World Cup qualifying begins on Friday night at home to North Macedonia in
Southampton. Further information can be found at thefa.com/tickets. Tickets can also be
purchased at the stadium on arrival.
Baroness Sue Campbell, director of women’s football at The FA, said: “This exciting new
addition to the international calendar promises to further accelerate the rapid growth we are
already seeing in women’s football.
“Giving England fans the opportunity to see their team take on some of the best opposition
in the world on an annual basis will create substantial interest, leading to a broader fan base and
strengthening grassroots participation. It will also provide the England team with the best
preparation heading into the major tournaments over the next four years.
“Pitch International is a world leader in organising events, has a superb track-record in
women’s football, and is perfectly placed to lead the delivery of this new tournament.”
Pitch International, a London-based sports marketing agency, created the tournament
concept and has an agreement with The FA through to 2025 to manage all aspects of the tournament.
Cat Watson, director of women’s sport at Pitch International, said: “We have seen first
hand the increased appetite for top quality women’s football through our distribution of the
Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
“We’re excited to be building on our commitment to women’s football, by investing in and
delivering a new tournament featuring the best teams and players from around the world, that will
be broadcast to a global audience.”
Staffline to partner Northern Ireland
Staffline has become an official partner of the Northern Ireland senior international women's
team. It is an extension of its partnership deal with the Irish Football Association which already
sees Northern Ireland's largest recruitment company support the association's mission to
promote, foster and deliver football for all in various ways.
Tina McKenzie, Chief Executive of Staffline Ireland, said: "Staffline is proud to partner
with the Northern Ireland senior international women's team, who have proven time and time
again to be exceptional ambassadors for young football fans. The squad are testament to the ability
of sport to transcend all barriers, proving nothing is impossible.
"At Staffline we focus on placing talented people into work while supporting individuals to
reach their professional ambitions. We work to inspire, motivate and lead, which clearly aligns to
the values of the Northern Ireland team.
"Given the recent excellent performances by the team I look forward to seeing them go
from strength to strength while entertaining the fans and aspiring future players. Staffline will be
supporting them all the way."
Northern Ireland senior women's team manager Kenny Shiels praised the deal, saying:
"I'm delighted that Staffline will be supporting our journey in growing women's and girls' football
in Northern Ireland and we look forward to them backing our team."
Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan added: "It is great to have this backing from
Staffline. Women's and girls' football is on a real high in Northern Ireland so we're excited about
having them on board."
(irishfa.com)
Issue no. 3 - 16 September 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk