Frits Ahlstrøm
Was the Sports Editor at Politiken and Everything about Sport. Later he was the Head of Information at the Danish Football Association - DBU, Sports Director at Brøndby IF and employed by Danmarks Radio. He was the Media Director at UEFA for 15 years and is still a Press Director at UEFA and FIFA. Author and contributor to numerous books about football.
It took me one second to accept the invitation to become an ambassador for the Dana Cup. It is both a joy and an honor to be associated with this traditional tournament, which each year is the best imaginable example of the enriching community that football can create across race, religion and gender. It is super-professionally organized but still with - and probably as essential - a human face. For me, the Dana Cup in Hjørring has been one of the highlights of my life for as long as I can remember; even during my time as a media director at UEFA. I love the Dana Cup, which is a festive and beautiful symbol of the invaluable volunteerism in Danish sports. As a child of club sports in Denmark, I grew up with idealistic and far-sighted leaders and coaches; fiery souls who helped shape me as a human being. I was 5 years old when I started playing football. Now, 70 years later, my passion for and love for the game is still the same.
Janine Van Wyk
Captain of the South African Women’s Soccer Team – “Banyana Banyana” and owner of her own football academy in South Africa – JVW Girls Football Development. The first Captain in South Africa’s history to lead a South African Team at the Women’s World Cup – FIFA Women’s World Cup in France 2019.
Former clubs: Moroko Swallows, Palace Super Falcons, JVW, Houston Dash and Fortuna Hjørring.
I am extremely excited to be an ambassador for the Dana Cup organization. I have known about the Dana Cup for many years but only personally attended the event once. I was in absolute awe when I saw how professional and well organized the event was. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the amount of young talented female footballers taking part in this tournament and how people unite from different countries and build friendships. I feel honored to represent an organization that has so much passion to provide a platform for young athletes to develop into future football players by competing at a competitive level. I am looking forward to working and influencing teams and players around the world to come and participate in such a top class tournament like the Dana Cup.
Nadia Nadim
Nadia Nadim was born in Herat in Afghanistan. When Nadia was 10 years old her father was executed by the Taliban. A few years after his death, Nadia´s mother decided to flee the country with her 5 daughters: Nadia, Giti, Diana, Muskan and Mujda. At this time they were living in Kabul. Nadia´s mother wanted to move to London, as they had family there but they ended up in Denmark. Nadia plays for the Danish Women´s Soccer team and has played in the UEFA Women´s Euro in 2009, 2013 and 2017. Nadia has won Bronze in the UEFA Women´s Euro in 2013 and Silver in 2017.
2017 – Role Model of the Year 2017, by Tryg Forsikring
2017 – Female Player of the Year - by DBU
2017 – Danish Sports Journalist´s Media Award
2017 – Danish Person of the Year 2017 – by Berlingske
Former clubs: Gug Boldklub, B.52 Aalborg, Team Viborg, IK Skovbakken, Fortuna Hjørring, Sky Blue FC, Portland Thorns FC, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Racing Louisville FC.
I am super excited to be a Dana Cup Ambassador. I have been a part of it as a player and as a staff member/volunteer (working in the kitchen ... cutting up the salad). For me the Dana Cup represents the essence of football - it unites people from all around the World. For one week, the entire world gathers in Hjørring to share their love for the beautiful game. Nothing matters, no one asks you about your skin color, background or religion, you are there to have fun, make friends and compete.
Tamires Cássia Dias De Britto
Brazilian Women’s Soccer Team player, playing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019, along with the 2016 Olympic Games.
Former clubs: CA Juventus, Santos, Charlotte Lady Eagles, Ferroviária, Atlético Mineiro, Centro Olimpico, Fortuna Hjørring and Corinthians.
It is a huge honor and with immense satisfaction that I accept to be an Official Dana Cup Ambassador for one of the best youth soccer tournaments in the World. I came to know the Dana Cup tournament very well, after signing a contract to play football for Fortuna Hjørring in 2015. I worked as a volunteer and personally experienced the tournament closely for 4 years. I was hugely impressed how hard and devoted everyone works to ensure the best tournament each summer and to bring joy to the participants on and off the field. I can highly recommend the Dana Cup Hjørring to youth soccer teams from all around the World.
Tom Sermanni
Tom has coached professionally throughout the world for over 30 years in both men’s and women’s football. Prior to coaching, he was a professional footballer with Albion Rovers and Dunfermline in Scotland, Blackpool and Torquay Utd in England and Marconi and Canberra City in Australia. In men’s football Tom has coached in the Australian National Soccer League with Canberra Cosmos and Sydney Olympic, in the Japanese J-League with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and as Coaching Director in Sarawak, Malaysia. In women’s football he has coached internationally as the Head Coach of New Zealand (current), USA and Australia as well as Assistant Coach of Canada. Tom Has also coached in two US Professional Leagues, the WUSA with Bay Area CyberRays and NY Power and more recently in the NWSL with Orlando Pride. Tom was named Asian Coach of the Year in 2007 and notable coaching achievements include winning the Algarve Cup, Asian Cup, OFC Championship and the inaugural WUSA Championship. He has coached at 5 FIFA Women’s World Cups, as Head Coach of New Zealand in 2019, Australia in 1995, 2007, 2011 and as Assistant Coach with Canada in 2015.
I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be an Ambassador for the Dana Cup. It is without doubt the most renowned and prestigious youth football tournament in the world and continues to set the bar higher year by year. It is a fantastic festival of football, giving players both a competitive and fun experience. It also provides a positive lifetime experience for all those participating and is frequently quoted as being a career highlight of players and coaches.
