The inaugural Rising Sevens Youth Tournament marked a major milestone for World Sevens Football, bringing the energy, innovation, and vision of the W7F platform to the next generation of players from December 5-7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Designed as a youth extension of the World Sevens Football 7v7 experience, Rising Sevens provided girls ages 9-12 with the rare opportunity to compete in an elite, professional-style environment while sharing the stage with the world’s best in women’s football.

Across the weekend, 15 teams and nearly 200 players from three divisions — the combined U9/U10 division, U11 and U12 — took part in the competition. All three competed on Saturday and Sunday, embracing the fast-paced 7v7 format that defines the World Sevens Football model. Matches were played on half-sized pitches as mini games consisting of two 15-minute halves, with teams advancing through group play and into championship rounds.

The results showcased both competitive excellence and the depth of emerging talent in girls’ football. Weston FC 2016 Girls Black claimed the U9/U10 Division title, MVLA Barcelona emerged as champions in the U11 Division, and Fort Lauderdale United 2014 captured the U12 crown. Each champion was celebrated not only for their on-field success, but for embodying the spirit of creativity, confidence, and joy that Rising Sevens aims to inspire.

Beyond wins and losses, the tournament emphasized development, learning, and inspiration. Players competed on their own World Sevens 7v7 stage while also engaging in meaningful off-field experiences, including opportunities to connect with Player Advisors such as: Tobin Heath, Kelley O’Hara, Anita Asante, Caroline Seger and Laura Georges, along with professional athletes competing in the World Sevens Football event. The chance to observe, learn from, and interact with elite players reinforced Rising Sevens’ core mission: providing the next generation of footballers an opportunity to showcase their talent and learn from the best.

One of the most powerful moments? The confidence circle where players and advisors came together to lift each other up, share their goals and walk away knowing they belong on any pitch.

All participants received a World Sevens Football t-shirt and complimentary access to the professional W7F matches, allowing families and players to experience the full scope of the event weekend. For many, it was their first exposure to a truly global football platform — one that blends innovation, entertainment, and elite performance.

Rising Sevens also stood out for its open and inclusive approach. The tournament is not affiliated with pFYSA or US Club Soccer, making it accessible to all clubs, coaches, trainers, and independent teams. Whether organized by a club or assembled by a coach or parent, teams were welcomed into an environment built to prioritize opportunity and growth.

The weekend culminated in a memorable awards experience, with championship teams honored during a Trophy and Medal Presentation Ceremony held on Beyond Bancard Field ahead of the World Sevens Football Finals. For young players, standing on the same field as the professionals provided a powerful and lasting memory—one that underscored the tournament’s belief in the future of the game.

From first whistle to final celebration, the future of football was on full display in Fort Lauderdale. Rising Sevens didn’t just introduce a new youth tournament — it created a pathway, a stage, and a shared experience that will resonate with players long after the weekend ended.