(l-r) Ashleigh Shim and Sashana Campbell
Amidst the excitement of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia, the spotlight has shifted to two exceptional Jamaican footballers, Sashana Campbell and Ashleigh Shim.
These dynamic athletes have been selected to participate in Festival23, an inspiring Football for Good event taking place during the tournament.
With a gathering of approximately 70 female delegates from over 40 countries, Festival23 celebrates the transformative power of football on a global scale.
The remarkable journey of Sashana Campbell and Ashleigh Shim is a testament to the core mission of Football is Freedom, an organization established by none other than Cedella Marley.
The daughter of Reggae icons Bob Marley and Rita Marley, Cedella Marley holds the mantle of CEO of the Bob Marley Group and serves as a global ambassador for Jamaica's women's national team. Her vision for Football is Freedom revolves around empowering women and nurturing young leaders across the region. Since its inception in 2021, the organization has been steadfast in driving awareness for women's football, advocating for its growth and recognition.
Both Campbell and Shim have assumed vital roles within the Football is Freedom family, serving as assistant coaches and mentors in grassroots staff mentorship programs.
Sashana Campbell, an accomplished Reggae Girlz defender, has been a stalwart presence in the senior squad since 2014. With her recent appearance in Australia for her second consecutive World Cup with the team, she embodies unwavering leadership qualities that continue to inspire her teammates and fans alike.
Ashleigh Shim, a former Reggae Girlz forward, made her mark on the world stage as a member of Jamaica's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup squad.
Beyond her on-field prowess, Shim stands as a fervent advocate for women's football, instilling empowerment and strength in young girls worldwide both on and off the field.
Cedella Marley emphasized, "This is part of Football is Freedom's plan to develop a proper ecosystem that the players can relate to and to support the growth and development of our Reggae Girlz through exposure to opportunities such as Festival23. This also helps our former players by providing a pathway to other careers in football. Football is Freedom is more than certain that our women will make an impact in the conference."
Festival23, hosted collaboratively by Football United, Creating Chances, and Common Goal, has unfolded in the vibrant city of Sydney. The event commenced with an official opening ceremony on August 6, extending its influence until August 13. The overarching theme, 'Inspiring the Next Generation to Embrace Equity, Driven by the Inclusive Spirit of Women's Football,' encapsulates the essence of Festival23.
The event's program spans a spectrum of activities, engaging young leaders from the global football community and beyond. From the Young Leader Fairplay Tournament on August 9 to the Football Coaching Education and Football for Good Forum on August 11 and 12, respectively, participants are immersed in enriching workshops and cultural experiences. Over 2,500 youths in Australia have seized the opportunity to participate, amplifying the potential for positive social change across communities, both locally and globally.
As the world tunes into the FIFA Women's World Cup games, Football is Freedom shines on 'OCEAUNZ TV,' a brand-new YouTube content series by the adidas Football Collective. In episode one, Cedella Marley presents the captivating essence of Football is Freedom, sharing intriguing anecdotes about her father's deep connection to the sport and providing insights into the talented players she mentors.
With their indomitable spirit, Campbell and Shim embody the essence of Football is Freedom's mission. Their participation in Festival23 signifies not only their exceptional talent but also the strides being taken to empower women and promote the holistic wellness of athletes within the realm of football. As the event unfolds in the backdrop of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, the Reggae Girls' presence continues to inspire and uplift, leaving an indelible mark on the global football community.
Atletico and Sociedad reach agreement over Le Normand transfer
Atletico Madrid have "reached an agreement" with Real Sociedad over the signing of Robin Le Normand.
The Spain defender, who was part of the side that won Euro 2024, will finalise his move to Atleti "in the coming days" for a fee believed to be in the region of €34.5million.
French-born Le Normand started his career with Brest before spending eight years with Txuri-Urdin, for whom he made 221 senior appearances across all competitions, while winning the 2019-20 Copa del Rey.
The 27-year-old is fresh from international success in Germany, where he played in six of Spain's seven matches, while he also helped La Roja win the Nations League last year.
A statement on Atletico's official website read: "Atletico and Sociedad have reached an agreement for the transfer of Le Normand. The deal will be finalised in the coming days when the player returns from his holiday.
Meanwhile, Sociedad wrote on X: "We'll always remember his dedication and gratitude to the colours that have shaped him into the player he is today. Good luck."
Guardiola 'cannot imagine' Man City's Premier League success without Ederson
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's Premier League dominance in recent seasons would not have been possible without Ederson.
The Brazil goalkeeper's future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain, amid speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Ederson has been an integral figure for City since his arrival from Benfica in 2017, with 112 clean sheets in 250 Premier League appearances under Guardiola, while recording a save percentage of 68.17.
The 30-year-old conceded just 26 goals last season as the Citizens won an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title - and their sixth since he joined the club.
Ederson's distribution has also been crucial to City's success, notably completing 942 of his 1,097 passes last term (85.87%).
"I wish from the bottom of my heart Eddie will continue with us," Guardiola said. "I would love him to stay.
"I cannot imagine our processes succeeding these last seasons without him. He is an important figure in the locker room."
Ederson could feature for City on Saturday when they continue their pre-season tour of the United States against Paulo Fonseca's Milan at the Yankee Stadium.
Ten Hag targets further transfers as Man Utd prioritise squad depth
Erik ten Hag wants more transfer activity ahead of his third season in charge of Manchester United, saying the Red Devils must work to replicate their rivals' strength in depth.
Ten Hag signed a new contract after overseeing United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, having previously been expected to depart.
Ahead of their first full season under the Jim Ratcliffe regime, United have spent an estimated £88million to acquire forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille.
But after United suffered more injuries causing a player to miss at least one match (45) than any other Premier League team last term, Ten Hag believes more is required.
"I want the squad as strong as possible," Ten Hag told reporters at a press conference ahead of Saturday's friendly versus Arsenal.
"We already made two very good buys, so when everyone is fit we have a team that can beat everyone.
"But also in squad depth, we have to catch up. We know that because when we had injuries, we were vulnerable, and we have to avoid this.
"First, by picking up fewer injuries. And second, our squad has to be that good in depth.
"Of course, we have the quality, but in the depth we have to catch up even more, because this will be a season that is survival of the fittest.
"We proved we can beat the best team. Not just once, we did it twice. Our challenge is to do it consistently, that's what we have to work for."
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