Saturday 06 August 2022, 05:00

Supercopa Femenil helps young Mexican girls dream big

  • FIFA and the FMF join forces to launch the Supercopa Femenil

  • FIFA are providing technical support, equipment and funding

  • 200 female youth players will be under the spotlight, and watched by scouts

With the financial support of FIFA, the Mexican Football Federation has launched the FIFA | FMF Supercopa Femenil (Women's Super Cup) as part of its women's football development programme. The five-day U-15 tournament (between 3-7 August) organised in Toluca, provides 206 players across 12 teams from Nuevo León, Tlaxcala, Chiapas, Mexico City, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Veracruz, Guanajuato, Estado de México, Baja California, Chihuahua, as well as a representative team from the United States, with an opportunity to have their talents detected by scouts from both Liga MX, and the Mexican national teams. Everything is taking place behind closed doors under a strict sanitary protocol, to protect the health of the players and all those involved in the competition.

"The Supercopa Femenil was born from the dream of bringing Mexican youth players to a competitive showcase for women's football in our country, attracting the best academies that are supporting the development of players in this category. This has resulted in a life-changing experience to be scouted by national team staff, and those of Liga MX Femenil teams," said Lucia Mijares, FMF Technical Sports Development Director. FIFA will provide technical support, equipment and funding for two years, as well as education and empowerment through seminars for coaches. FIFA's Women’s Development Programme aims to provide all 211 member associations with the opportunity to apply for, and access additional resources and specialist expertise to develop women’s football at a national level. Member associations can apply for support across eight key areas of women’s football development during the 2020-2023 period. In addition to financial assistance to cover the costs in selected programmes, the FIFA Women’s Development Programme will also provide access to women’s football experts, additional equipment and technical support within FIFA.

First edition of the FIFA | FMF Supercopa Femenil (Women's Super Cup)

“Observing the Supercopa Femenil in Mexico has been inspirational. Its implementation is helping strengthen pathways by showcasing talent, motivating players and coaches as well as sharing knowledge and unique experiences so that growth continues where needed. There is so much talent, potential and support from everyone in the FMF. I am very optimistic for the future,” said Andrea Rodebaugh, FIFA Women's Football Consultant. “The Supercopa has been well organised and provides a great opportunity for players to gain experience playing against top teams in their age group. It also enables scouts to watch these players, and for coaches to undertake development workshops to further improve the positive impact they have on players, supporting their personal and professional development,” explained Karl Dodd, FIFA Women's Football Expert.

Strategy pillars

FIFA will achieve its objectives by executing the five strategic pillars:

Womens Football Strategy - Girls in field
1. Develop and grow

FIFA will focus on developing the women’s game, both on and off the pitch, at all levels. FIFA will also support member associations in developing football locally, to retain and grow female participation and do all that is necessary to ensure that girls and women have clear pathways to play, administer and govern the game.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 20: Hannah Wilkinsonvof New Zealand applauds fans after the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
2. Showcase the game

As part of FIFA’s broader efforts to deliver the greatest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup and consequently further drive development in women’s football, we will optimise our competitions to ensure that the best players and teams in the world are showcased.

Colombia's forward #18 Linda Caicedo (R) celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group H football match between Germany and Colombia at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney on July 30, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
3. Communicate and commercialise

FIFA will broaden the exposure of women's football and increase its commercial value. To boost the visibility of women's football and unlock its potential at all levels, FIFA will support its member associations whilst maximising the commercialisation of its own competitions.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - MAY 15: A general view during the Leadership Forum: Executive Women in Football at The Athenee Hotel on May 15, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.  (Photo by Apinya Rittipo - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
4. Govern and lead

FIFA will endeavour to create more opportunities to upskill and empower everyone working in women’s football, both on and off the pitch.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Fatima Gharbi and Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco celebrate advancing to the knock out stage after the 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
5. Educate and empower

FIFA will harness the power of women’s football and its competitions to highlight the game’s unmatched ability to drive positive societal change for women and girls all around the world.