Regrettably, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to organize the last two editions of this tournament. We can only imagine how excited and eager young players must be to compete again on this prestigious stage.
I wish to thank the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation, its president Vico Zeljković and the local organizing team for hosting what will no doubt be a fantastic event. Hospitality is sacred in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I am confident that our hosts will provide these young stars of the future with a perfect platform to showcase their talents and inspire girls of a similar age to take up the game.
A new league-style qualifying format, introduced as part of UEFA’s continuous commitment to the women’s game, is helping youth players across Europe play more international matches than ever before and further develop their game at this important age. The level of quality that we will witness at these finals will certainly bear testimony to the growth of women’s football in Europe.
Not only the European title is at stake. These finals will serve as UEFA’s qualifying tournament for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and the top three finishers will be representing Europe in India in October.
Best of luck to the eight participating teams!
Aleksander Čeferin
UEFA President