World Sevens football (W7F) is a women’s association, led by a team of business professionals and players with a mission to ignite growth and equity by delivering electrifying experiences and connecting global communities. To achieve this goal, W7F developed a Player Advisory Council, including Anita Asante – former Lioness and broadcaster, Kelley O’Hara – 2x World Cup champion and Olympic Gold medalist, Laura Georges – Ex general secretary of the French Football Federation and football pundit, Tobin Heath – 2x World Cup winner, 2x Olympic Gold medalist and Caroline Seger – 2x Euro championship Bronze medalist, 3x World Cup Bronze medalist. Their deep expertise in the subject is evident and plays a vital role in safeguarding player welfare, shaping effective competition strategies, and ensuring the tournament delivers a lasting positive impact on the participating teams.
Eyes on the prize
Eight clubs competed for a $5 million (£3.76 million) prize pool, with contractual obligations to share a portion with both staff and players—ensuring that everyone involved is recognised and rewarded for their hard work and commitment. The tournament took place over three days and saw Bayern Munich crowned champions after a 2-1 comeback victory over Manchester United, earning $2.5m (£1.8m) in prize money. Giving these teams the opportunity to compete for such a large sum of money shows the growth that the women’s game has had and will continue to do so in the future. It also sends a strong message that the women’s game is worthy of investment and deserving of the recognition it has long earned.
What the tournament means
Although the introduction of a new competition sounded exciting, some expressed concerns about its timing in relation to Euro 2025—among them England manager Sarina Wiegman, who voiced her apprehension about fitting it into an already congested football calendar. In contrast, Jennifer Mackesy, co-founder and investor of World Sevens Football, said the competition was designed to
“…elevate the women’s game and provide players with a powerful new platform to showcase their talent, grow their personal brands, and provide economic opportunity in a way that truly reflects their value.”
Considering its format – 30-minute matches played in two 15-minute halves – many players who had not yet had the opportunity to showcase their skills were able to do so in a more relaxed environment and enjoy the experience. As Anita Asante stated,
“it’s an opportunity for them [the players] to feel like their inner child comes out again and have fun playing football in the way that we all enjoy.”
When speaking to BBC Sport, Manchester United Captain, Maya Le Tissier said:
“It’s so fun, the whole set-up is incredible. I’m very lucky to be playing in this tournament. The vibe between all the teams is amazing.”
Hearing such a positive reaction from someone who experienced the competition first-hand highlights the importance of tournaments like this in providing a platform for players to express their personalities and truly come to life on the pitch.
Overall, the World Sevens Football tournament has made a significant impact on women’s football, enhancing the visibility of women’s sports through its strong showcase of talent, competitiveness, and global unity. Throughout the tournament, fans witnessed standout performances from both rising stars and seasoned players, highlighting the rapid growth of the women’s game. What sets this event apart is its unique ability to showcase a diverse range of playing styles and a vibrant mix of footballing traditions – both established and new – bringing the association’s mission to reimagine the game to life.
Off the pitch, the tournament has made a lasting impact on women’s sports, driving increased viewership and media coverage. This growth underscores the rising support for women’s football and sends a powerful message about expanding opportunities in sport.
