CONIFA Mixed Gender U17 Continental Cups: Empowering the Future of Football
- MEI
- Nov 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 17
The CONIFA Mixed Gender U17 Continental Cups are annual tournaments designed to promote inclusivity and foster young talent in football. Featuring boys and girls on the same teams, these tournaments create a unique and inspiring environment that encourages collaboration, diversity, and unity through sport.
What Is the Mixed Gender U17 Continental Cups?
Organized by the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA), these tournaments bring together 4 to 8 teams from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Played over 5 to 9 days, they offer a platform for young athletes to represent their communities, celebrate diversity, and gain international exposure.
Event Overview
Timing: Flexible, held any time of the year.
Duration: 5 to 9 days.
Teams: 4 to 8 teams per tournament.
Previous Edition: Hosted in Monaco in 2020.
Hosting Requirements
Hosting the Mixed Gender U17 Continental Cups requires venues and logistics to accommodate players, staff, and officials:
Venue Needs:
A 10,000-seater stadium for primary matches.
A 5,000-seater stadium for additional games.
6 training pitches, one for each participating team.
Logistics:
Accommodation for all teams, staff, and officials (costs covered by the host city).
Transportation for participants, including coaches for the duration of the tournament.
Benefits of Hosting
Hosting these youth tournaments provides cities with a chance to inspire the next generation of athletes while reaping economic and cultural benefits:
Economic Impact
Retain all ticket revenue generated by the event.
Merchandising opportunities create additional income.
Global Visibility
International TV and digital media coverage ensures global exposure.
Licensing of media rights amplifies promotional value for the host city.
Grassroots Development
Encourages local youth participation in football.
Fosters inclusivity by promoting mixed-gender teams.
Cost Considerations
Hosting the Mixed Gender U17 Continental Cups requires a modest investment in event logistics:
Travel Expenses for CONIFA Staff: €10,000.
Miscellaneous Costs: €10,000.
Player Travel Costs: Covered by the host city.
A Vision for Inclusive Youth Football
"The Mixed Gender U17 Continental Cups are more than just tournaments—they are a celebration of inclusivity and the boundless potential of youth football. Hosting this event is an opportunity for cities to inspire the next generation, strengthen communities, and showcase their commitment to diversity and sport." - CONIFA
