Brighton and Hove Albion have been working with the council to support the FA’s bid. Left to Right: Martin Perry, Cllr Alan Robins, Michelle Walder, Paul Barber, Ken Benham.
In exciting news, Brighton and Hove City Council have teamed up with Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. and Sussex County Football Association to support their bid to become a host city for the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2021.
Brighton’s efforts to become a host city is line with the FA’s bid, which was submitted last Wednesday on August 29th, to the European Football Association, in order to be the host country for the upcoming tournament.
If successful, hosting the tournament in the UK would naturally be an enormous boost in raising the profile of women’s football in the country, although interest is already on it’s way up. According to Brighton and Hove Council, there are currently around 1.7 million women and girls playing football across the country each year, and has been ranked as the top sport for participation for women and girls in England.
A successful bid would also reap huge benefits for Brighton and it’s residents. Not only would the FA work with host cities in order to increase tourist initiatives, they would also support participation programmes within local communities. These programmes would encourage residents to get involved with both the tournament itself, as well local football events within the city.
Paul Barber, Chief Executive of Brighton and Hove Albion, has commented on what on amazing opportunity it would be for Brighton to become a host city. “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen by The FA as one of their nine host cities for the bid. Myself, the chairman and board of directors, remain committed to increasing the profile of women’s football.
“We will work very closely with the Sussex County FA and Brighton & Hove City Council in supporting The FA to help bring such a prestigious tournament to this country.”
Albion’s women’s chair, Michelle Walder (pictured above) has also offered comment on the exciting bid, and the opportunity it will present young women in the sport:
“This is fantastic news, and it can only help to raise the profile of women’s football in the region, and inspire the next generation of young girls playing the sport. On behalf of everyone at the football club, I would like to wish The FA all the very best of luck with the bid.”
A decision on the bid is expected to be announced by December, and in the meantime a proposal will be delivered to Brighton and Hove City Council’s Tourism, Development & Culture Committee on 27 September to provide further information on the bid. If successful in the bid, the council will work with organisers to ensure Brighton meets host city requirements, including event safety, transport and traffic management, promotion and dressing the city.
Kim Ayling
