The Evolution of Women’s University Club Football: K League Queen Cup

For years, numerous university club football tournaments have been held for men, but opportunities for female university students to compete have been scarce. However, as interest in women’s football has grown, amateur women’s university club tournaments have also gained traction. The introduction of a tournament under the prestigious K League—South Korea’s top-tier professional football league—has significantly elevated the competition’s status.

Now in its 9th edition, the tournament has undergone many changes. Previously known as the K League Cup Women’s University Club Football Tournament, the event has been rebranded as K League Queen Cup. This name change was driven by the K League, which now officially hosts the event. The name “Queen Cup” was inspired by the combination of the “K” from K League and “Win” from Winner, forming K-WIN Cup. Additionally, the pronunciation and meaning of “K-WIN” resemble “Queen” [kwiːn], making it the perfect title for a football festival celebrating female university students.

A New Tournament Format

This year, the tournament has introduced a points-based system and an invitation-based format for the first time. In the past, teams joined on a first-come, first-served basis. However, to determine the strongest women’s university club football team, the organizers now invite top-performing teams based on their results over the past year. Teams have been ranked using a points-based system, and the top 12 teams have qualified for the Queen Cup.

Additionally, a challenger system has been implemented to expand the tournament. Alongside the top 12 ranked teams, four additional teams have been invited to compete, increasing the total number of participants to 16 teams, making it one of the largest competitions of its kind.

A Historic First: A Completely Free Tournament

Perhaps the most surprising and groundbreaking change is that participation in the tournament is entirely free. In previous women’s club tournaments, teams faced significant financial burdens, including travel and accommodation costs. However, this year, all transportation, lodging, and meals for the two-day tournament are fully covered by the organizers. This support ensures that players can focus entirely on the sport, creating a true football festival for female university students.

Defending champions W-Kicks (Yonsei University) are eager to retain their title. Team captain Song Hyun-hee shared her thoughts:
“We want to continue our winning streak from the last tournament. This year has been tough for us, but we hope to finish strong with good results here. The cold weather is a concern, but thanks to the K League’s support, including accommodation, we can fully enjoy playing football.”

More Than Just a Football Tournament: A Social and Career Networking Event

The 2018 K League Queen Cup is not just about football—it also features various events for participating students to enjoy. One of the key highlights is the Social Networking Party, designed to bring together female university football players and help them build valuable connections.

Under the theme “Queen Yourself”, the Social Networking Party will include a Talk Concert and a DJ Party. Renowned author Kwak Jung-eun will deliver a special lecture on “Dating in Your 20s”, where she will listen to students’ concerns and share insights. Additionally, Lee Hee-gon, the CEO of Math C&G and the creator of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics mascots “Soohorang” and “Bandabi”, as well as football commentator Professor Jang Won-jae, will discuss “Dreams in Your 20s”, providing career guidance for university students.

A Meaningful Experience for Female University Football Players

One of the most significant aspects of this year’s tournament is the communal accommodation experience. In previous tournaments, teams stayed in separate lodgings due to financial constraints, making it difficult to gather in one place. However, this year, all participants will stay together at a resort in Pocheon, allowing them to fully engage in various events and socialize.

Many players are eager to advance to the quarterfinals, as this milestone will secure them a place in the Social Networking Party. The unique combination of high-level competition, networking opportunities, and full support from the organizers makes this event a truly special festival for female university football players.