Ladies only
Posted on 03/08/2007
Friday at noon the ladies from the tournament played an exhibition match at Pitch One.
Boline Skovly
12 out
of 48 nations participating in this year’s Homeless World Cup, have female
players on their team. Altogether there are 16 women who all showed up on Friday at noon, City Square in Copenhagen, to show their talent, skill in what is currently a
male-dominated tournament. Anna Phillips, manager of Uganda’s team, set up
the match: “The women must get more playing time, because many of them are damn good
players,” she says.
Soccer Language
Before the game began, the players had their photo taken. It was the
classic team-position, where half the team is standing with the rest standing
on their knees in front. While the press photographed the teams which seemed professional in appearance, the big crowd certainly made some noise in honour of the women. Coming from many different nations, the players are not able to
communicate verbally, but before the start of the match each team got together
for a group-hug. “Even though the players don’t
speak the same language, they communicate via the ball,” Anna Phillips says.
Tackles & Talent
Though the match was informal, the players showed the crowd some serious soccer.
The ladies were not afraid of tackling and showing off their talents.
After the match Shàron Hailey
from the Australian team was happy but tired: “It was a really great and fun
match, but I am so tired now. It was great playing against other women,” she
said.
Kick it with the girls in City Hall Square today and tomorrow at the Copenhagen 2007 Homeless World Cup.
