The importance of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 for Germany, and the development of women’s football around the globe were the key themes of an address by OC President Steffi Jones and OC general coordinator Ulrich Wolter on Tuesday at the 29th AEFCA coaches’ symposium in Frankfurt. The five-day gathering at the Steigenberger Airport Hotel has attracted 202 delegates from 61 countries.

"Coaches play an essential role in increasing both the quality of play and spectator interest in women’s football. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas benefiting the women’s game," the OC President commented.

"It is astonishing when you consider how many countries around the world are busy with projects to develop the women’s game," added Wolter.

The symposium opened on Saturday at the Steigenberger Airport Hotel and continues until Wednesday. For the first time since the year 2000, the event is being hosted by the German FA (DFB) in co-operation with the Alliance of European Football Coaches' Associations (AEFCA), previously known as the Union of European Football Trainers (UEFT), and the German Football Coaches’ Federation (BDFL).