Two months and counting

By Pete Sanderson & Kevin Ashby

With the first ball being kicked in exactly two months' time, the UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson is convinced the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship will play a fundamental role in raising the profile of the women's game throughout Europe.

Great potential
"Women's football is very strong in Europe, something which was verified by two European teams reaching the final of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup," said Mr Olsson, referring to Germany's defeat of Sweden in Los Angeles in 2003. "Now we have to take further steps to keep it in this position. The grassroots are strong all over Europe and there is great potential for the future."

Strong groups
Mr Olsson was one of the dignitaries present at the City of Manchester stadium in January as the continent's finest eight teams were divided into two groups of four. In the first, the hosts England found themselves alongside Scandinavian opposition in the form of Sweden, Denmark and Finland, while the holders Germany, Norway, Italy and a rapidly-improving France side meet in Group B. "The groups are very even, very strong too," said Mr Olsson.

'Stiff opposition'
"It is a very balanced draw but I am sure that current champions Germany will be keen to retain their title. Certainly, there is some stiff opposition, none more so than from the hosts for the final tournament, England." He hopes fans in the north-west of England will come out and support not only the home nation but the tournament as a whole, saying: "The organisers have been well supported by the government and authorities and a promotion campaign over six months should increase the interest and bring families and kids to the stadiums."

'Professional football'
The UEFA CEO believes the strength of women's football on the world stage is testament to the professionalism with which the sport is now regarded in Europe, with UEFA working hard alongside the national associations at grassroots level to develop the game. "We have restructured our departments at UEFA and I am pleased to say that women's football has been moved from our development division to our professional football and marketing division," said Mr Olsson.

'Revenue'
"This reflects the increased emphasis that we are putting on women's football and its future now and in the years to come. Women's football, for example, will now get a portion of the revenue from men's football while generating revenue on its own merit."

New trophy
It is not only the approach to the women's game which has changed ahead of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™. A new trophy will also be handed out on 19 June in Blackburn, the old one having been retained by Germany after they completed a hat-trick of successes in 2001. The holders get their campaign under way against Norway on 6 June, a day after Sweden play Denmark and England meet Finland.