A new women's football tournament is set to kick-off next month in South America as part of the region's football confederation (CONMEBOL) efforts to promote and develop the game and increase competitiveness.

The 'Liga de Desarollo' (ENG Development League) has been developed has part of the CONMEBOL 'Evolución' programme (ENG Evolution) aimed at breaking cultural barriers and enhancing the growth of grassroots football across the region.

The tournament is divided into three stages - regional, national and international - for U12, U14 and U16 girl's teams. The regional and national stages will kick-off on 2 June and run until 2 November. These will be followed by the international stage, which will start in January 2018.

The three best U14 CONMEBOL teams will also have the chance to compete in the Disney Cup, an unprecedented tournament that will take place at Disney World in Orlando, US, in July 2018.

The champions of the U12 and U16 categories will received a bursary to study English.

"The tournament wants girls to fall in love for football and share the passion for football that is lived across the South America.

"In addition to this, it will also serve as seedbed for new talent that will become the future highlights of local and international football." read a CONMEBOL statement.

The principles and guidelines of the new tournament have been presented at a ceremony on 5 May in Peru, attended by representatives of clubs and leagues from all 10 member associations.