Colonia del Sacramento is one of the tournament’s three venues
Three members of Uruguay’s U-17 team attended the event
Diego Lugano announced as a local ambassador of the tournament
The countdown to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 reached another important milestone on Wednesday 25 April with the official presentation of Colonia del Sacramento as one of its host cities.
The event took place at the Centro Cultural Bastion del Carmen, one of the picturesque coastal city’s main tourist attractions.
Figuring among the 300 people at the presentation were Uruguay U-17 players Sofia Ramondegui, Adriana Salvagno and Esperanza Pizarro, who are preparing for the tournament and who all come from Colonia.
“Hosting the World Cup is a great responsibility that we’re all willing to shoulder, and we want to prepare ourselves for it as best we can so we can make everyone happy,” said a smiling Ramondegui, a centre-half who impressed at the South American championships in the age category, where Uruguay finished third.
“I hope a lot of people come to the games,” said Pizarro, who scored a goal at the continental finals. “And I hope visitors come and enjoy Colonia, which has so many wonderful things to share.”
The Estadio Alberto Suppici in Colonia will host eight of the 32 matches, among them the first two quarter-finals, to be played on the same day.
Montevideo and Maldonado are the other host cities. The tournament begins on 13 November and ends on 1 December.
Lugano appointed an ambassador The event also saw the presentation of former Uruguay captain Diego Lugano as one of the tournament’s local ambassadors.
Lugano, who played for local club Plaza Colonia at the start of his career, shared a video message from Brazilian club Sao Paulo, where he is working as director of institutional relations.
After thanking FIFA and the Uruguay 2018 Local Organising Committee for inviting him to join the project, Lugano highlighted the importance of “organising a World Cup that can promote and boost women’s football, which has been growing so strongly in our country and around the world.”
After saying that he had enjoyed the best years of his life and his career in Colonia, Lugano invited everyone to go to the stadiums, support the tournament and give their backing to the Uruguay team as well.
He also spoke in favour of the professionalisation of women’s football: “As a player you know how important it is to have support and a structure in which to develop, so that you can try and fulfil your dreams.”
He added: “This World Cup is a wonderful opportunity to show the world that we can organise an event like this, because two things we are not short of are passion and a footballing culture.”
What they said
“Through these tournaments we are nurturing talent and the passion women have for football. The aim is to double the number of girls and women playing the game by 2026. This World Cup represents a step forward in that direction.” - Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer
“Colonia is a city where women play an active role in the rural labour market, in agricultural companies and in local government. The World Cup will help develop their role in football and in sport in general even further.” - Wilmar Valdez, President of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF)
“This is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on women’s football. Colonia will play host to the world’s finest teams, increasing the sport’s visibility in our country.” - Valentina Prego, President of the AUF’s Women’s Football Council and the Chair of the Uruguay 2018 Local Organising Committee
“As well as being a World Cup venue, we’re also going to improve the facilities at our stadium so we can enjoy them after the tournament is over.” - Carlos Moreira, Mayor of Colonia
Important information for Uruguay 2018
Official Draw takes place on 30 May in Zurich at the Home of FIFA
Match Schedule for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Uruguay 2018
Qualification process for all confederations