FIFA Vice President Jack Warner has promised that the campaign for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup would “break all boundaries ” and it appears as though organisers are well-positioned to deliver on that promise.
For the launch of the emblem of the U-17 World Cup, the LOC was able to attract star power in US goalkeeper Hope Solo, Christine Sinclair of Canada, Brazilian Aline Pellegrino and Tiffney Milbret.
Now on the eve of the LOC’s World Cup campaign, organisers have gained the support of yet another international name, and it’s football legend Pele.
The Brazilian superstar, who last visited this country in 1987, is expected to attend the draw for the U-17 World Cup next year.
The initiative to gain the support of the Brazilian was spearheaded by Special Advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation and FIFA Vice President Jack Warner.
Warner, who is in Mexico, held an impromptu meeting with Pele on Wednesday evening, during which he delivered the invitation on behalf of the LOC.
Warner has described the talks as “positive.” “The meeting went very well. I have been mulling over the idea of inviting Pele for quite a while.
“You see the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is not just about creating stars but it must attract stars and who better to attract, than the legend himself Pele.”
Warner went on to add that, “The final details are still being worked out, but Pele has indicated his willingness and availability to attend the U-17 World Cup. We will as is customary have a number of follow up discussions but this country will see Pele again.”
When questioned about whether a female player would have been better to promote and raise awareness of the tournament, Warner said: “Football is the beautiful game, we see no race, gender or colour and we are all one family. Whether it be Marta or Pele or Blatter promoting this tournament, in the end its all about the promotion of this game.
“We work in unity, a family united with one goal. We don’t see the messenger but the message and the message of this tournament is, “the home of Women’s Football is Trinidad and Tobago.”
Deputy CEO and Director of Marketing of the LOC, Nataki Kerr says the development is testimony to the appeal of Women’s Football.
“The statistics are clear. Women’s football is a growing phenomenon. The fact that a footballer of such international repute such as Pele is willing to attend this draw says volumes of the appeal of Women’s Football.” The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will get going on September 5, 2010 in Trinidad and Tobago.