More than 30 firms-including FIFA partners, national sponsors, potential partners, government agencies and probable stake holders-were represented during the opening day of the three-day marketing workshop conducted by FIFA staff in conjunction with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF).
With less than six months to go, Tuesday’s opening day was described as an essential preparatory component to ensure the successful hosting of the world event.
During the opening ceremony, FIFA vice-president and CONCACAF president Jack Warner said he was pleasantly surprised by the positive response to the workshop and believes it is a sign of greater things to come. ’The Under-17 Women’s World Cup is not about one team, it’s not just a World Cup,’ said Warner.
’The event is a catalyst for change, women’s football will not only be transformed as we journey to the 2010 Women’s World Cup, but the journey will continue well after. Women’s football must be transformed. But this can only occur if all stakeholders are on board. This is not about Jack Warner or about the Federation, this about the future of sport development in this country.
’The Women’s World Cup is not just about making a difference, but leaving a legacy, and I always quote the FIFA president (Sepp Blatter), who said that the future of football is feminine. This World Cup is part of our journey, but we cannot lose sight of our destination, to make Trinidad and Tobago the home of women’s football,’ he added.
Also making a presentation at the workshop was Local Organising Committee (LOC) deputy CEO Nataki Kerr, who educated stakeholders about the event, how it should be organised, promotional opportunities, and general benefits both to the country and business firms.
Kerr also shared a number of forthcoming events which will be used to promote the tournament, including a nationwide giant football promotion, a name the mascot competition and an essay competition.
She said while marketing partners are a crucial and indispensable component of the success equation of the event, they must work in unison to ensure the population is enthusiastic about this project.
Kerr also announced that the LOC has already signed on two partners and she expressed profound optimism that a third deal would be finalised soon.
’We have not found all our national supporters, corporate citizens who are willing to invest not just in football but in the young women who play the sport in this country. But, we have two confirmed, we are negotiating with two others and at this point we stand ready,’ Kerr said.