Manchester United won the Women's FA Cup in 2024 and are in this year's final Manchester United will be one of the eight clubs competing in the inaugural Women's World Sevens tournament in May. The new seven-a-side competition kicks off three days before this year's Women's Champions League final and there is a prize money pool of $5m dollars (£3.76m). United will be joined in the competition by European clubs Ajax, Benfica and Bayern Munich on 21-23 May in Estoril, Portugal. The other four participating clubs are yet to be named and there is no indication on whether they will come from outside of Europe. "This is a really exciting opportunity to be part of something new for the women's game," said United manager Marc Skinner. Minority owner of Gotham FC and Chelsea FC Jennifer Mackesy has invested in the competition to provide prize money. Comparatively, this year's Women's Champions League winners could earn up to 1.4m euros (£1.2m) and up to 2.8m euros (£2.4m) from the 2027-28 season. All clubs taking part will have their flights and accommodation paid for. "For each position from first to fourth, there is a split between the club, players and staff," said Women's World Sevens head of football Adrian Jacobs. "While it's contractual that a certain part goes to the staff and players, we are not saying exactly who gets what because every club is different. "My guess is that most clubs will share it among the squad." The tournament kicks off just three days before the Women's Champions League final is held in Lisbon on 24 May. It is also just six weeks before the Women's European Championship begins in Switzerland on 2 July. The American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) does not finish until 22 November, meaning any clubs wishing to participate in May would do so during the season. Stadium and pitch availability were named as reasons as to why the tournament was scheduled for May, while there are plans to host a second edition at the end of the year in North America. Another question is how many players due to compete at Euro 2025 will take part in the inaugural tournament. "We haven't got the rosters yet but they will be first-team squads. Obviously a lot of these clubs are very worldwide and global in their make-up," said Jacobs. "The games are much shorter and the amount of players on the pitch is much less." There are four Lionesses in the Manchester United squad - Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner - and Jacobs said he expects them to come to Portugal and take part in some form. "There is a difference between a first-team XI and a first-team squad. We would expect a first-team squad," added Jacobs. "We also know this is an opportunity for other players and for people who want to really express themselves on a completely different stage." Matches will take place in Portugal at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota Matches will take place on a grass pitch which is half the size of a typical 11-a-side pitch. Clubs can bring squads of up to 25 players but only 14 can take part in the games which have unlimited substitutions. They will play 15-minute halves with extra time deciding tie-breakers. Future events are being planned in cities across the United States, Mexico, Asia and Europe and the aim is to have up to five tournaments every year. Gotham FC co-owner Mackesy is the financial investor and part of a senior leadership group running the competition, with Jacobs as head of football. Former United States international and Bay FC co-founder Aly Wagner is chief of strategy and entrepreneur Justin Fishkin is chief executive. There is also a player advisory council which includes former players Caroline Seger, Anita Asante, Kelley O'Hara and Laura Georges. World Sevens Football has agreed a multi-year broadcast deal with DAZN to show the matches. Matches may also be shown on club websites or streaming platforms. Former England defender and BBC Sport pundit Anita Asante is on the player advisory board Former England defender Asante said player welfare has been considered in "every aspect" regarding the format of the tournament. "It's short-format games so the distances players will cover and the amount of time they will be doing those physical actions is completely different to an 11v11 game," added Asante. "Having a bigger squad will allow clubs to manage minutes and load. "From the feedback we have got from players, they are really excited to play in this competition." United manager Skinner said in March that the tournament could provide opportunities for players who will not be competing at Euro 2025. "I don't think we should dismiss having a look at something like that," he added. World Sevens Football's sole purpose is to "drive investment in women's football", said Asante. "If I could have played in this when I was still playing, I would have very much enjoyed doing that," she added. "Ultimately, we didn't just want it to be about these clubs and players. We wanted to have a social impact and we will be engaging with grassroots clubs. "It is an initiative and everyone should come out to Portugal if you can to watch it before we hold any big opinions on what it will be. "It is an exciting time for women's sport and we can't slow down. We need to keep picking it up and progressing forward."
Man Utd to take part in Women's World Sevens
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Manchester United to Compete in Inaugural Women's World Sevens Tournament in Portugal"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Manchester United has confirmed its participation in the inaugural Women's World Sevens tournament, set to take place in Estoril, Portugal from May 21 to 23, 2024. This tournament is notable as it introduces a new seven-a-side format to women's football, featuring a prize pool of $5 million, significantly higher than the current Women's Champions League prize money. Alongside Manchester United, clubs such as Ajax, Benfica, and Bayern Munich have also committed to the competition. The tournament will occur just three days before the Women's Champions League final, making it a key event in the women's football calendar. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, emphasizing the significance of being part of a pioneering event for women's sports. The tournament has been organized with the support of Jennifer Mackesy, a minority owner of Gotham FC and Chelsea FC, who has invested in ensuring the prize money is substantial, enhancing the stakes for all participating clubs.
The format of the tournament allows clubs to field squads of up to 25 players, with only 14 participating in matches that consist of two 15-minute halves, offering unlimited substitutions. The matches will occur on a pitch half the size of a traditional 11-a-side field, which aims to reduce the physical toll on players. This aspect has been highlighted by former England defender and current player advisory board member Anita Asante, who noted that the short-format games would require less intense physical exertion compared to standard games. The tournament also aims to provide opportunities for players who may not be selected for Euro 2025, allowing them to showcase their talents on an international stage. Future editions of the Women's World Sevens are planned, with the intent to host up to five tournaments annually across various global locations. Overall, this initiative is seen as a significant step towards advancing women's football and enhancing investment in the sport, with a focus on creating social impact and engaging grassroots clubs in the process.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement of Manchester United's participation in the Women's World Sevens tournament signals a significant step for women's football, particularly in terms of visibility and financial support. This event, which features clubs from Europe and offers substantial prize money, aims to elevate the profile of women's sports.
Promotion of Women's Sports
The tournament is positioned as an exciting new opportunity for women's football, as noted by Manchester United's manager, Marc Skinner. The involvement of high-profile clubs like Ajax, Benfica, and Bayern Munich also enhances the tournament's credibility, suggesting a concerted effort to promote women's sports on a larger stage. The prize money of $5 million is a noteworthy incentive, especially when compared to the Women's Champions League winnings, indicating a growing recognition of the value of women's competitions.
Economic Considerations
The financial aspects of the tournament are particularly striking. With $5 million in prize money, the tournament presents itself as a lucrative opportunity for participating clubs, players, and staff. This financial incentive could attract more talent to women's football and help sustain its growth. The mention of shared prize money among clubs, players, and staff indicates a collaborative approach that could foster goodwill and unity within the sport.
Timing and Strategic Positioning
Scheduled just days before the Women's Champions League final and the Women's European Championship, the timing of the tournament appears strategically chosen to capitalize on the heightened interest in women's football during this period. This could lead to increased media coverage and fan engagement, further embedding women's sports into the broader sporting culture.
Potential Manipulation and Public Perception
While the announcement may appear straightforward, there is a potential for manipulation in the narrative. By focusing on the positive aspects, such as financial incentives and high-profile participation, the article may downplay challenges faced by women's football, such as ongoing disparities in funding and support compared to men's sports. This could shape public perception, creating an impression that women's football is on equal footing with men's leagues, which may not entirely reflect the reality.
Market Impact
The news could influence market dynamics as well. Companies investing in women's sports may see this as a sign of growth and potential profitability, leading to increased sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Brands associated with Manchester United or the participating clubs could benefit from the heightened visibility of women's football.
Community Support
The tournament is likely to attract support from various communities, particularly those advocating for gender equality in sports. Fans of participating clubs and women's football enthusiasts will likely rally around this initiative, which aims to promote women's sports on an international scale.
In conclusion, while the announcement of the Women's World Sevens tournament is largely positive, it carries implications that could affect public perception, market dynamics, and the broader narrative surrounding women's sports. The emphasis on financial incentives and high-profile participation is crucial, but it is equally important to remain aware of the underlying challenges that still exist in the realm of women's football.