AUCKLAND – Local organisers of the inaugural FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup have been told to keep the ball rolling after a successful inspection tour by FIFA representatives this
week.

The Zurich-based delegation from football’s international governing body praised the preparations at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium, Waikato Stadium, Wellington’s Westpac
Stadium, and Christchurch’s QEII Stadium – the four confirmed venues for the 16-team tournament starting October 28.

Auckland has been confirmed as the venue for the final with Christchurch hosting the semi finals and Wellington and Hamilton hosting the quarter finals.

 

Tatjana Haenni, Head of FIFA’s World Women’s Competitions, told guests at a function at North Harbour Stadium last night there were minor issues at some of the stadiums but these would be
easily resolved. She said New Zealand is the ‘perfect’ place to hold the event.

“New Zealand proved to be a successful host in 1999 with the inaugural FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup and we know this year’s tournament will be just as big if not bigger,” said the
former Swiss International.

 

She said New Zealand has one of the highest number of female football players per capita out of the 208 FIFA member associations.

According to Michele Cox, Head of Women’s Football in New Zealand, there are more than 25,000 registered women players at the senior level in this country and around 26 million
worldwide. Cox believes hosting the World Cup will further increase the number of girls playing here and leave a lasting legacy for the women’s game.

Also at the function was former All White goal keeper Frank van Hattum who shared his experiences at the World Cup in Spain in 1982. He encouraged members of the Young Football
Ferns who were present to give up their lives for what will be a “moment of magic” at the end of the year.

 

Meanwhile North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams said hosting the World Cup will not only be a boost for the sport but also for the country.

“It will be a chance to showcase Auckland as well as the three other host cities and prove we are a great sporting nation,” he said.

The world will certainly be watching with more than 150 countries covered by the TV rights holders for the innuagural FIFA U-17 World Cup across all confederations.

The FIFA delegates are expected to leave this weekend. Their tour precedes visits from England Women’s National Coach Hope Powell OBE and experienced Canadian referee Sonia
Denoncourt who arrive in just over a week.

Story courtesy of NZ football. For more information visit www.nzfootball.co.nz