Manchester United Women’s team head to Portugal this summer…for a seven-a-side
A revolutionary competition is being introduced to women’s football; World Sevens Football (W7F) tournament.
It will take place in Portugal after the domestic season finishes, just weeks before Euro 2025.
Eight professional clubs will be competing for a monumental prize pot, exceeding both the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Women’s FA Cup prize money.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Claudia Jones tells all there is to know about the tournament, breaking down what it could mean for women’s football.
When and where?
The date and location have been confirmed, W7F will be held in Estoril, Portugal, from May 21 to 23, 2025.
The total prize pot has been revealed as a groundbreaking £3.8m, with the winners taking home £1.9 million in prize money.
Organisers of W7F have also made a commitment to invest a significant £77 million into women’s football over five years.
With huge financial stakes, Man Utd are set to select a strong squad.
The pros
This tournament offers an opportunity to grow women’s football, increasing visibility and potentially attracting new fans with a different appeal due to faster games.
Games will be played on a pitch half the size of a standard football field and have two 15-minute halves with rolling substitutions.
This new competition has the potential to mirror the success of other condensed sports like T20 Cricket and Rugby Sevens.
The exposure players and clubs will receive from this cannot be understated, with games being broadcast live on the streaming platform DAZN.
W7F Co-founder Jennifer Mackesy has voiced her vision, “World Sevens Football is designed to elevate the women's game”.
With a high financial prize pot, it is no wonder clubs are wanted to compete despite their already busy schedules.
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And the cons
After a demanding season balancing the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, League Cup, and the Euros 2025 still to come, a seven a side tournament adds to the chaos.
Concerns have been raised over player welfare.
With an already cram-packed season, the need for restructure has been made apparent by both players and managers alike.
Sarina Wiegman, England Women’s manager said, “In the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar."
This tournament could be putting players at risk, potentially increasing the risk of injury or burnout.
More of this to come?
Following this event in Portugal, there is talk of other W7F tournaments across different continents, including Asia and North America.
The second tournament is planned to take place later this year, in November/December 2025.
This is an exciting time for women’s football. Could this new format redefine the future of women’s football?
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