Latest news with #U17
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Infantino: Morocco's U17 Women's World Cup Will Elevate African Football
Doha – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed Morocco as the perfect host for the upcoming U17 Women's World Cup, describing the tournament as a major event that will showcase women's football, particularly in Africa and the Arab world. 'Morocco continues to achieve success, demonstrating each time its ability to ensure the success of major sporting events,' Infantino said in a video message played during Wednesday's draw ceremony at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora. The FIFA chief noted that the global football governing body intends to capitalize on the country's proven experience and expertise to boost women's football development throughout Africa and the Arab region. He pointed out that Morocco, 'a fabulous country and land of football, is the first African country to host this World Cup.' Infantino explained that this high-stakes tournament will serve as a crucial platform to uncover emerging talent, giving young female players worldwide a golden opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage. For his part, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa welcomed the 24 participating nations to Morocco, describing it as a 'land of hospitality, civilization and prosperity.' Lekjaa said the Mohammed VI Football Complex, venue for yesterday's draw, represents an 'emblematic sports facility that embodies the exceptional development Morocco is experiencing under the reign of King Mohammed VI.' He continued that this world-class facility reflects the King's dedicated interest in athletes, particularly young talents. Read also: FIFA President Thanks Morocco for Hosting Upcoming Women's U17 World Cup Editions Lekjaa also emphasized the place women occupy in the national sports sphere, noting that promoting equality and parity remains fundamental in the country's development process. FIFA Tournament Sub-division Director Jaime Yarza praised Morocco's track record in hosting major sporting events and the country's passionate football culture. He stressed that these were the reasons why the North African country was chosen to host the next five editions of the competition. 'We are confident that Morocco will do everything to ensure the success of this event,' Yarza mentioned. He described Morocco's infrastructure as 'exceptional,' adding: 'The infrastructure is modern and professional. Morocco now has nothing to envy from major European countries.' On Monday, FIFA unveiled the logo for the next five editions of the tournament. The emblem features the trophy represented in the 'U' of 'U17,' symbolizing the collaboration between FIFA and Morocco while honoring talented young female footballers determined to pursue their dreams. According to FIFA, this modern and dynamic logo cultivates the heritage of the U17 Women's World Cup while foreshadowing the future of women's football. The logo will be visible in Morocco over the next five years, as the country hosts the event annually until 2029. Blockbuster Group A Wednesday's draw placed Morocco in a challenging group. The Atlas Lionesses will face Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica in Group A. Following the draw, Morocco's U17 women's national team coach Anwar Mghinia said preparations for the World Cup will be adjusted according to the opponents in his team's group. 'We will prepare properly to shine at home and in front of our fans,' Mghinia told the press. He explained that in such competitions, teams must always expect to face the best opponents, noting that all 24 qualified teams are strong and will play all out to defend their chances. 'We will adapt our preparations and schedule friendly matches based on our opponents in the group,' he stated. 'We will play without pressure and manage each match according to its particularities.' The tournament kicks off on October 17 and runs through November 8, featuring an expanded format of 24 teams for the first time, up from the previous 16-team structure.
Morocco World
03-06-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Fresh Logo Ushers in FIFA's U17 Women's World Cup Era in Morocco
Rabat – FIFA has revealed the official logo for the U17 Women's World Cup, ahead of a historic new chapter that places Morocco at the heart of the tournament's future. Starting in 2025, Morocco will host the event every year for five consecutive editions, a first in the history of the competition. The next edition introduces another landmark: the expansion of the tournament to 24 national teams. For FIFA, this marks the beginning of what it describes as a 'new era' for women's football, with the newly designed logo meant to reflect that shift. Read also: FIFA Expands Women's World Cup to 48 Teams Starting in 2031 The design places the tournament trophy inside the letter 'U' in 'U17,' a visual nod to the youth of the players and the unity between FIFA and the host nation. According to FIFA, the emblem pays tribute to the determination of young female athletes who are chasing their dreams and pushing the boundaries of the game. Morocco, now set to welcome the world annually until 2029, sees this opportunity as more than a logistical achievement. The country has spent years laying the groundwork to grow women's football from the grassroots up. FIFA acknowledged this long-term investment, saying it no longer goes unnoticed. The decision carries real implications for the next generation of players. The U17 tournament often marks the first step onto the international stage for rising talents. For many of them, Morocco will now become the place where those early milestones unfold. The draw for the 2025 edition will take place this Wednesday in Rabat and will set the stage for the tournament's most ambitious chapter yet.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Liverpool wonderkid is a surprise candidate to REPLACE Luis Diaz
However, at the end of the day, Liverpool will want to bring in someone who can at least provide cover. Maybe not the same quality as Diaz but someone who has the same potential. And for that purpose Liverpool don't have to tap into the market. They can just promote one of the biggest talents in the academy right now. Advertisement We are of course talking about Rio Ngumoha. If Diaz leaves, he must absolutely be a surprise candidate to replace him. Ngumoha is a generational talent. There's a reason why Liverpool went all out to sign him and there's a reason why despite barely being 16-years-old, he's been regularly training with the club's first team all season, and catching the eye in training too. Ngumoha averages 13 dribblers per 90 minutes for Liverpool's academy sides this season. His one vs one ability puts him up there alongside some of the best prospects in the world. He showed against Accrington he can make an impact even against senior players. He's proving that in training sessions week, week out as well. Advertisement The one thing that has been missing a little bit is his end-product. But Ngumoha is improving that as well. He scored a brace in the U21s final game of the Premier League 2 season against Aston Villa. Recently, he provided an assist for England's U17 side in a crucial game against Italy at the U17 Euros and he scored twice and registered an assist against Northern Ireland in the final qualifying game in the lead-up to the tournament. Chelsea thought Ngumoha was good enough to play with the first team at 15-years-old. That's when he was first invited to participate in first team training sessions. He'll be 17-years-old by the start of the 2025/26 season and it already feels like he's ready to make the step-up. Sometimes you have to throw players in at the deep end, especially players as exciting as Ngumoha. If Diaz leaves, it will be a huge opportunity for the young man and Liverpool will absolutely consider Ngumoha as an option to fill the Colombian's void.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Howell has 'great ability and a great attitude'
Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood believes young teammate and cousin Harry Howell has a "lot more rewards" to come at the club. 17-year-old Howell was once again named in the matchday squad for Brighton against Wolves, however, he is yet to feature from the bench. Not only is Hinshelwood a teammate, but he is also the cousin of Howell, who was recently named in the England Under-17's squad for U17 EURO Finals. Speaking to Albion Unlimited about Howell's involvement in the first team squad, Hinshelwood said: "It's very nice. He's been training really well and impressing the right people. "At the same time he's working really hard which I think is the main thing. He's been rewarded by getting on the bench, and I think if he keeps going there's lots more rewards for him. "When you make your first matchday squad there's so much added incentive. You want to be out on the pitch and it makes you give that little bit more in training. "It can be a frustrating process, maybe you're missing out on game time because you're in the first team squad. It's important for him to stick at it, and that's all you can really ask. "It's nice for him to be around. He's got great ability and a great attitude, as long as he keeps going he'll do very well."
Irish Examiner
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Louise Quinn led Women's football in Ireland from the front, both on and off the pitch
Niall Quinn ensured his surname left an indelible mark on Irish football. His namesake Louise can take similar pleasure after bowing out of the women's team as third highest cap holder. News of the defender's retirement had been anticipated. A change of Ireland manager and campaign hastened the exits of Niamh Fahey, Julie-Ann Russell and Diane Caldwell in quick succession. Three months later and the 34-year-old has followed, hampered by a hip injury but enthused from herself and partner Eilish O'Gara becoming parents to baby Darragh last month. That combination of personal factors, allied to uncertainty over her future at Birmingham City and the World Cup qualifiers still 10 months away, transposed the inevitably into reality. Ireland manager Carla Ward had wanted to reunite with her former Brum player but she'll retire from the scene with his latest cap being the momentous 3-1 win over France at Pairc Uí Chaoímh last July. The centre-back from Blessington in Co Wicklow was first called for international duty as a 14-year-old in the U17 squad, her Ireland career blossoming in tandem with the strides made on the club circuit around Europe. Stints in Sweden and Italy were forerunners to inroads towards the English scene but her first foray met a shuddering thud. Read More Republic of Ireland centurion Louise Quinn announces retirement from football Notts County were preparing for the top-flight Spring series in 2017 when the club folded. Quinn was one of the fortunate free agents, snapped up on an initial short-term by Arsenal, for whom she played in the FA Cup final at Wembley and won the 2019 league title. Top-level club exposure leant itself to Quinn nailing down a regular spot for Ireland. Alongside fellow centurion Caldwell, and another in Fahey when they opted for three, the central defensive unit proved a critical element of Ireland's progress in reaching the Euro 2021 playoff and eventually a first major tournament in 2023. Their contribution wasn't limited to goal prevention. Under Colin Bell and especially Vera Pauw, Quinn supplied goals from set-pieces. All bar one of the 16 came from her head and though it was a friendly, her winner against Australia in 2021 can be considered a springboard to their successful campaign that ensued. That World Cup in Oz was her highpoint. 'I can let Daragh know his Mam did well,' she said on Tuesday with a bundle of modesty. 'She used to play football for Ireland and she's been to the World Cup. There's really something special about being Irish and I'm incredibly proud of our little country and so proud to have worn that badge on my chest. 'The Ireland team is the reason why I always wanted to play this game. Some of the best moments of my life have been in the green jersey. I've been part of something so special. "The foundations were laid by legends of the women's team before me and for a short period I was lucky enough to play with a few of them too. Then it was up to us to continue that fight to put the Ireland team on the map on the international stage. "We built, we fought ... and the World Cup proved that dreams do come true.' Quinn has already dabbled in punditry but once the maternal duties settle the expectation is for football involvement to be revived. Ward has spoken of her retired veterans assuming mentoring functions around the squad and none better than someone who led from the front, both on and off the pitch.
