UEFA delight at new event

UEFA's interim CEO Gianni Infantino has welcomed the launch of the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship after introducing the draw for the first edition.

UEFA 'delight'
Mr Infantino told representatives at the first qualifying round draw for the 2007/08 editions of the new U17 and existing U19 championships: "UEFA is delighted to launch a new youth women's competition, as the first edition of the Women's Under-17 Championship will start this autumn with the first qualifying round. The second qualifying round will take place in early spring 2008, with a final round of four teams in May 2008 in one of the qualified countries."

Impressive entry
He added: "A surprisingly high number, 40 associations, have registered for the first edition of this championship - this represents the participation of 75.47 per cent of UEFA member associations. We also draw attention to the fact that the Cypriot Football Association is participating for the first time in a women's national championship.”

New trophy
The new competition, Mr Infantino confirmed, will provide three slots in the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, another inaugural event which will take place in New Zealand. He also unveiled the trophy for the debut event, produced by Links of London. The draw was made by Susanne Erlandsson, vice-chairwomen of the UEFA women's football committee and co-opted member of the UEFA youth and amateur committee.