Revolutionizing Women’s Football: The Rise of World Sevens Football

Women’s football is on an unprecedented rise, capturing the attention of fans, investors, and future players alike. The sport is breaking attendance records and inspiring a new generation, and now a fresh initiative, World Sevens Football (W7F), aims to capitalize on this momentum. This exciting new series introduces a seven-a-side format that promises faster-paced games and significant financial opportunities for players.

What is World Sevens Football?

World Sevens Football is designed to transform the women’s game by providing a more dynamic viewing experience. The inaugural event will take place in Estoril, Portugal, from May 21-23, and features just what the name suggests: seven players per side, a notably smaller pitch, and matches that consist of two 15-minute halves. This new format seeks to attract fans who may not have the time or inclination for the traditional 90-minute matches.

Intentional Design: Player-Centric Approach

At the heart of W7F is a commitment to placing players first. The series is guided by a Player Advisory Council that includes notable players such as Tobin Heath and Caroline Seger. This council’s aim is to ensure that player welfare and voices are prioritized in decisions affecting the competition. Seger emphasizes the importance of considering players’ perspectives, advocating for aspects like travel arrangements and post-game nutrition.

Justin Fishkin, one of W7F’s co-founders, asserts that this innovative approach is essential. "It was critical to us that this be a player-centric competition," he states. This philosophy aims to create a positive impact on both players and clubs, making decisions more inclusive and considerate.

Financial Incentives: Sharing the Wealth

The financial structure of the tournament is designed to be lucrative, with a total prize pool of $5 million. The winners will take home a substantial $2.5 million, far exceeding the earnings for Champions League victors. Clubs participating in the tournament will have the flexibility to decide how to distribute this prize money among their players and staff. Notably, 40% of the prize money is earmarked for players, ensuring that financial rewards are equitably shared among all contributors.

Addressing the Criticism: Scheduling Conflicts

However, despite this promising initiative, not all feedback has been positive. The timing of the inaugural event has raised eyebrows, particularly due to its overlap with the Swedish league schedule. The Swedish club Rosengard, one of the teams participating, has had to reschedule a league match to accommodate their involvement in W7F. This decision has drawn criticism from other teams and former players, who worry that such scheduling conflicts may compromise players’ well-being and the integrity of existing leagues.

A Collaboration of Passionate Innovators

The genesis of World Sevens Football can be attributed to Fishkin and NY/NJ Gotham FC minority owner Jennifer Mackesy, who has committed a significant investment of $100 million over five years. Their shared enthusiasm for women’s football and new entertainment formats has driven them to innovate within the sport. Fishkin mentions, "This project has come from our shared passion for women’s football and the new formats that are proliferating through various sports around the world."

The Unique Viewing Experience

The unique setup at the Antonio Coimbra da Mota Stadium aims to create an immersive spectator experience, complete with custom-designed areas for fan engagement and entertainment. The combination of a smaller pitch, quicker matches, and a lively atmosphere is intended to cater to a generation of fans who thrive on fast-paced, digital-first entertainment.

In Fishkin’s words, "Seven-a-side is made for social media. It’s familiar, fast, and accessible." This approach targets younger audiences, hoping to grow the sport’s fan base and encourage further participation from future players.

The Appeal of New Formats

With innovations like World Sevens Football emerging, it’s clear that the landscape of women’s football is changing for the better. The evolving format not only speaks to the changing tastes of sports fans but also ensures that the voices of players are heard and valued. By emphasizing quick matches, financial incentives, and player welfare, World Sevens Football aims to redefine what women’s football can be—both on and off the pitch.