World Sevens Football: Bayern Munich win inaugural tournament

With rolling substitutes, no offsides and 15-minute halves, the tournament format brings out flair and creativity, as well as attacking intent.

Le Tissier said part of the enjoyment came from playing with more freedom and less pressure, something which was at the forefront for former Arsenal defender Anita Asante, who is on the World Sevens player advisory council.

“We saw personalities come to life,” Asante said. “They were enjoying the experience, competitive on the pitch and it has just been such a fun engaging experience.

“I think it’s an opportunity for them to really just feel like the inner child comes out again and they have fun playing the game of football in the way that we all enjoy.”

Tobin Heath, a World Cup winner with the United States who is also part of the advisory council, believes the tournament has been a hit.

“For me, a 90-minute football game nowadays is not speaking to the next generation,” she said. This format really speaks to the next generation. It’s football fun again.

“Football has become so professionalised, so prescribed. We’re missing the fun, the feel of what football is, what I fell in love with. Speaking to the players here, it’s been fantastic. They just say, this is so fun.”

After the final whistle in Friday night’s finale, there was no sulking from runners-up Manchester United. Once Bayern’s initial celebrations were over, both teams embraced and celebrated in the spirit of the tournament.

“It was cool because I just wanted to do a handshake and say ‘thank you’ but they wanted to party together,” Bayern’s matchwinner Sarah Zadrazil said.

“I think this is what the tournament is about. It brings different clubs together and we just wanted to have a good time. I think we did that over the three days and I’m excited for the last party now. They are all amazing players and it’s one big football family.”