Laporta Proposes FC Barcelona Women's Team Preseason in Andorra

Joan Laporta, a candidate in the upcoming FC Barcelona presidential election, has proposed bringing the club's women's team to Andorra for a preseason stay, sparking excitement among local football figures.

The idea, revealed in an interview with *Diari d'Andorra*, could provide a major boost to women's football in the Principat, where the sport has grown steadily but faces ongoing challenges. Andorra's football federation holds 3,100 licenses, with more than 10%—363 in total—held by women. An additional 103 players from the federation's Enfaf teams compete in Catalonia.

Justo Ruiz, the federation's women's football director, called it "a great opportunity" that would attract both current players and those on the fence. "It would serve as motivation for girls already in the sport and those hesitating," he said.

Jordi Roca, Enfaf coach, described it as a "historic moment and a celebration for Andorra," especially since Laporta highlighted women's football in his campaign. He suggested possibilities like a friendly match or a visit to the federation's women's campus.

Players echoed the enthusiasm. National team member Maria Ruzafa said it would raise visibility for young girls and the national side, noting stars like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí as key role models. Former captain Marina Fernández added that seeing elite players up close would inspire future generations and showcase top-level conditions.

Sílvia Casals of FC Ordino foresaw synergies with local clubs, Enfaf, and the federation, offering "priceless exchanges" to drive growth. Pioneer Montse Sánchez praised Barcelona's team as a reference point that feeds Spain's national squad.

Despite progress—especially over the last six or seven years—obstacles remain. Ruiz highlighted difficulties retaining young players amid competition from over 40 sports federations and a long winter. Casals pointed to league shortcomings, including limited refereeing, poor pitches like Prat del Roure, non-functional scoreboards, and resource gaps compared to men's football.

The domestic league has evolved from five-a-side to seven-a-side, with ambitions for full 11-a-side play, potentially qualifying champions for Champions League preliminaries like the men's game. Sánchez, reflecting on early days, noted more girls starting younger, often alongside boys, crediting hard-won cultural shifts. "Women's footballers have worked tirelessly, and the best reward is seeing little girls play," she said.