On the eve of the upcoming tournament, we spoke with Samir Hurem, the head coach of the women’s “A” national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, trophy coach of SFK 2000 Sarajevo, who is well aware of the importance of the upcoming European Championship in B&H.

What does hosting the UEFA WU-17 EURO represent for BH football?

“The European Championship for female cadets is one of the biggest and most important sporting events which will take place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. UEFA, as the umbrella European, football organization, has very strict rules when it comes to allocating hosting for such competitions. It is clear that a great honor has been shown to our country and the BH Football Federation, as well as trust and responsibility. I believe that, as the state and a football organization, we will respond in the best way to all the challenges of the organization. We want the beauties of Bosnia and Herzegovina to be shown through women’s football.”

What effect on BH football do you expect from this competition?

“The European Championship is an ideal opportunity for the football development in our country. We can take big steps forward, especially with women’s football. The best female cadet players in Europe are coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the entire sports public will have the opportunity to watch great football in our cities and get to know the quality and beauty of this sport better. This is a great promotion of women’s football in B&H and only with support and planning activities can we contribute to greater visibility of women’s football results.”

How much does the organization of such a championship contribute to raising awareness about women’s football?

“This will be a great opportunity to break down any remaining prejudices against girls in football because I am sure that the quality of national teams and matches will show all the football splendor that we all love in this sport. I expect that the UEFA WU-17 EURO will encourage many girls, who have the desire to choose football as the sport they want to play. Women’s football has made a lot of progress in the world, and just a few days ago we witnessed more than 90,000 spectators watching the match between the women’s teams of Barcelona and Real Madrid.”

How important is the support of the audience?

“I call on everyone to especially support the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will stand side by side with the best European teams. They deserve it and this will be a big step forward for all of us. Women’s football is progressing day by day. We want to be part of a global trend, fantastic hosts, and successful in what we do.”

Let us add that after Denmark and the Netherlands, which won the qualification earlier, the national teams of Finland, Germany, Norway, and France secured the qualification last week. As the host of the competition, Bosnia and Herzegovina got the right to participate, regardless of the result in the qualifications. The last participant will be known on the 13th of April after the qualification tournament in Hungary. The draw for the European Championship will be held at the Hills Hotel in Sarajevo on Tuesday, 5th April, at 18:00 h. The national teams will be divided into two groups.