Newsmakers

Planned Little League pitching sensation Mo’ne Davis will be the subject of a Disney Channel movie. The network says development is underway on the biographical film, titled “Throw Like Mo.” It will tell the story of the 13-year-old who last summer made history as the first girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series. A member of Philadelphia’s Taney Dragons, Davis then became the first Little Leaguer to make the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

Chosen FIFA picked France to host the Women’s World Cup in 2019. The FIFA executive committee awarded France the hosting rights over South Korea. FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced the decision, bringing the tournament back to Europe after Germany served as host in 2011. The 2015 tournament kicks off in Canada on June 6 with 24 teams for the first time. Japan is the defending champion from 2011.

Confirmed The final match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played on Dec. 18, the country’s national holiday. FIFA spokesman Walter De Gregorio confirmed the date, but did not say when the tournament would start.

Added Talladega Superspeedway will add SAFER barriers in three places before NASCAR visits in May. Talladega chairman Grant Lynch said the decision comes after an extensive safety review by track owner International Speedway Corp., NASCAR and ARCA. All tracks are being looked at in the wake of Kyle Busch’s crash into a concrete wall last month at Daytona. Talladega will add SAFER barrier before the May 3 race to the inside wall at the entrances to pit road, Turn 1 and Turn 3. Lynch said Talladega will continue to review its safety initiatives and provide updates as circumstances warrant.

Formed The Montreal Canadiens forged a partnership agreement with the Montreal Stars of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. The Canadiens said that the organization will make its infrastructure and resources available to the Stars while assisting in merchandising and promoting the team’s brand. The Canadiens will team up with the Stars to put an emphasis on growing the women’s game through hockey camps or conditioning clinics.

Announced Dutch coach Louis van Gaal said he will retire from soccer at the end of his spell in charge of Manchester United. The 63-year-old Van Gaal, who has a contract with United until 2017, has been coaching for almost 30 years, and is one of the most respected managers in the world.