First Whistle: Friendly Match Opens the Dana Cup 2026
Before the Dana Cup 2026 gets underway, football fans will have a chance to meet one of the tournament's newest international participants. The newly established FC Jorland International Female Football Academy from York, England, will face Premier Academy Canada in a friendly match.
The friendly fixture offers fans an early glimpse of the academy's talented young players before the Dana Cup officially kicks off. It also marks the academy's first appearance in Denmark, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase its ambitions and commitment to developing the next generation of female footballers.
"I have a clear philosophy based on identity-led coaching. It's about being really clear on who we are and how we play. It's also about being people-centred, where everyone in the team matters, and player-focused, with individual development plans for every player.
"We all share the same core values: trust, courage and competitiveness. Everyone understands what those values mean, and they underpin our identity and define who we are," says manager Bobby Paterson, who has fallen in love with the Dana Cup.
“Our own daughter played for Fortuna Hjørring at last year’s Dana Cup,” manager Bobby Paterson says. “The standard of girls’ football in Scandinavia is outstanding, whether in Denmark, Norway, Sweden or Finland."
