Copa Raíces Pays Tribute to Pioneers of Argentine Women’s Football
Argentina.- 22 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Argentine women’s football has introduced a new recognition platform with the inaugural Copa Raíces, a tournament created to bring together players and former footballers from different generations while honouring the women who built the history of the game.
The initiative forms part of activities surrounding Argentine Women Footballers’ Day and is aimed at women aged over 35 and over 50.
A Tournament Built Around History
Under the concept “Those Who Sowed Our Present”, Copa Raíces particularly recognises footballers who played during periods when the women’s game lacked the structures, competitions and recognition available today.
The project also provides an organised playing opportunity for women who took up football later in life, continue to play recreationally or currently have limited access to competitions for their age groups.
Over-35 and Over-50 Categories
The competition is played in a nine-a-side football format and divided into two categories:
- Over 35.
- Over 50.
The format brings different generations of Argentine women’s football together in a single event combining competition, memory and reunion.
Banfield Hosts the Event
The inaugural edition takes place at Club Atlético Banfield’s training complex in Luis Guillón.
The initiative was jointly developed by Club Atlético Banfield, El Femenino and former footballer and coach Mónica Santino.
The project originated from an idea proposed by Santino and subsequently developed alongside Banfield’s women’s football department.
Argentine Women Footballers’ Day
Copa Raíces takes place around 21 August, Argentine Women Footballers’ Day.
The date commemorates Argentina’s historic 4-1 victory over England at the 1971 World Cup in Mexico, played at the Estadio Azteca.
All four Argentine goals were scored by Elba Selva, one of the pioneering figures in the history of the national women’s game.
More than five decades later, Copa Raíces draws on that legacy to connect the earliest generations with women who continue to develop the sport today.
More Than a Competition
The initiative extends beyond the matches themselves.
Following the sporting programme, organisers have planned an Encuentro Raíces, providing a space for celebration, conversation and reunion involving players, former footballers, coaches, supporters and others connected to women’s football.
The event is also intended to encourage discussion around new initiatives capable of creating further opportunities for women of all ages.
Youth Football Also Included
The programme also connects the celebration with the next generation.
Before Copa Raíces begins, Banfield and River Plate are scheduled to play an AFA Under-12 women’s development match, symbolically bringing young players into an event centred on both the history and future of the game.
Digital Coverage
Matches are available through digital broadcasts covering both pitches used during the tournament.
This extends the reach of the event beyond the venue and provides greater visibility to the experiences and stories of the women taking part.
Next Steps or Impact
The inaugural Copa Raíces also provides an opportunity to assess demand for organised competitions for older age groups within Argentine women’s football.
Organisers intend for initiatives of this type to be repeated and consolidated over time.
Alongside paying tribute to those who opened the way, the tournament highlights an important element in the continued development of women’s football: providing opportunities to play and compete throughout every stage of a player’s sporting life.
Editó: Cristobal R.
