Manchester United will take part in the inaugural World Sevens Football tournament in Portugal next month.
The tournament promises further excitement for fans of Manchester United Women at the end of a season which has seen them reach a third consecutive Adobe FA Cup final and consistently challenge towards the top of the Women’s Super League.
United will take a strong group of its women’s first-team players to the tournament, which will involve up to five 30-minute games, depending on progress through a two-day group phase, and one-day knockout stage, culminating in a championship decider.
Marc Skinner, head coach of Manchester United Women, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to be part of something new for the women’s game.
“Our only focus right now is on finishing the domestic season as strongly as possible in the WSL and the FA Cup; then we can travel to Portugal to enjoy what promises to be an entertaining three days of fast, fun, seven-a-side football.”
Collette Roche, chief operating officer of Manchester United, said: “We want Manchester United to be at the forefront of growth and innovation in women’s football and that includes experimenting with new formats such as World Sevens Football, in parallel with the traditional 11-a-side game.
“We welcome new ideas for how women’s football can attract new audiences around the world, working together with clubs, players, and governing bodies.”