International soccer teams spent the August long weekend practicing on fields around Edmonton as the city prepares to host the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The competition has become a showcase for up and coming talent and Edmonton will host seven games including a quarter-final.
One of the first teams to hit the field will be the U.S. as they take on Germany Tuesday at Commonwealth Stadium.
“No matter who we are going to play it’s going to end up being a pretty intense and tough tournament so we are just ready for whoever comes on the field with us,” head coach Michelle French said.
“We actually have a wide range of ages on our team so the experience levels are a little bit different but at the same time their understanding of the game, their ability to play that is what has brought them all together.”
Goal keeper Katelyn Rowland agreed.
“The vibe is really awesome within the team and I think we are very focused and very motivated.”
The tournament began in Edmonton 12-years ago when it was known as the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship.
That event drew over 47,000 people to Commonwealth Stadium to watch Canada play the U.S. on Sept. 1, 2002. Unfortunately, Canada lost the match.
Montreal, Moncton and Toronto will also be hosting games.
This year’s competition will run from August 5th to the 24th.
According to FIFA this will also be the first time that matches will be played on certified football turf in three of the four stadiums. Only Toronto will be using natural grass.
That hasn’t deterred those on the U.S. team who have called Commonwealth Stadium “stunning.”
“The field was amazing. The stands were beautiful. Obviously the weather here in Edmonton is perfect for playing,” mid-fielder Andi Sullivan smiled.
Edmonton has also been named a host for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 where the opening ceremony and opening matches will be held. That tournament will run from June 6 to July 5, 2015.
With files from Sarah Richter
