Time For Women at World Soccer Fives
Following the 2015 Women’s World Cup, American women are now highly acclaimed around the world for their accomplishments on the soccer field due to the U.S. Women’s National Team setting the platinum level of achievement. More opportunities are becoming available for women to excel in soccer and to participate in events that were previously only available to men.
Soccer News: There are thousands of adult soccer tournaments – and the majority of these adult soccer competitions are for men. For the past three years, the World Soccer Fives (WS5) F5WC World Cup has been one of them – a men’s only event. In line with the growth of the women’s game and the celebration of the USA winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup, WS5 has made a change – and one many think is for the better. Never one to underestimate or neglect the women’s side of soccer, co-founder of the World Soccer Fives, Charles Stephenson has kicked off a women’s division in the popular five player versus five player tournament.
This year will be the inaugural competition of the women’s tournament, giving soccer playing women the chance to travel to Thailand and represent their country alongside the men’s team. The F5WC World Cup has the largest ever US soccer prize fund of $106,000 USD.
- Winning men’s team will receive $35,000, Second place $21,000, losing semi-finalist $7,000 each, losing quarter-finalists $3,500 each
- Winning women’s team will receive $14,000, Second place $7,000
While there is an obvious differential between the prize money on the men’s and women’s sides, this is a direct reflection on the number of teams participating. “In future years, when the women’s side is as well attended as the men’s, the winnings will be equal,” said Stephenson.
Due to having less teams the women’s division will be played over 2 days, although the festival starts on the Wednesday the Women’s sector will start Friday afternoon and finish Sunday with the knockout stage broadcast live on TV around the USA. Each team entering will get 2 nights on the Las Vegas strip, tickets to the Friday and Saturday night music concerts, full playing kit, the chance to win $21k and a trip to Thailand and tickets to the Global legends Series game at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Related Article: World Soccer Fives 2016 World Cup
The world finals will be held in Bangkok in March 2016, both the winners from the women’s and men’s divisions in Las Vegas in February will win a trip of a lifetime to represent their country.
Founded in 2014, the F5WC World Cup is world’s largest 5 a side football tournament.
“To grow the women’s game globally and increase the popularity of women’s soccer here in the USA we need events like the World Soccer Fives,” said Charles Stephenson. “These tournaments allow women players to perform not only at the top level but to have the opportunity of showing off their talents to the vast scouting network involved nationwide and globally. The F5WC and the World Soccer Fives are the only soccer tournaments globally that give these opportunities not only to men but now to the women’s sector.”
SoccerToday spoke with Stephenson:
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite American female player?
Charles Stephenson: Alex Morgan, I like a goal scorer.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite female player in the world?
Charles Stephenson: I like Abby Wambach for what she stands for and her personality.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite female soccer coach?
Charles Stephenson: Jill Ellis for sure — I had to have a Brit in there…
Jill Ellis is, in my eyes, the best women’s coach in the world right now. Tactically she is excellent but seems to have the respect of the players which isn’t always easy!!
Diane Scavuzzo: Why do you think the USA is the hub of women’s soccer?
Charles Stephenson: The infrastructure in the U.S. is second to none for the women’s game, only a few countries even come close.
From an early age girls are encouraged to play and with the influx of quality coaches the future is very bright…
Diane Scavuzzo: How can women’s soccer grow in the USA?
Charles Stephenson: American girls grow up believing they can set their sights on any goal and, with hard work, determination, talent and sometimes a bit of luck, they can achieve their dreams.
Our goal is to make sure that women who love soccer have a highly competitive and really fun opportunity to play and possibly even represent their country in a world soccer competition.
Playing small sided games gives every player the chance to impact the game and touch the ball. Playing 5v5 is fast, action-packed and really fun for all skill levels and ages. That is what our dream is – to help women compete on a local, national and international soccer stage. This year is our first step.
