The North East lives and breathes football - Mayor responds to Sunderland and Newcastle being part of World Cup bid

The words of North East mayor Kim McGuinness after news that Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light and Newcastle United’s St James’ Park have been included as part of an official bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.

The bid has been submitted to FIFA today (November 28).

Newcastle and Sunderland are two of 16 proposed host cities with 22 stadiums in the bid proposals, and if successful FIFA, the world governing body of association football, will reduce that to a final line-up of host cities.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority (NECA) are committed to supporting both cities to host matches and fan zones if they are successful.

Built on a vision of All Together, the UK bid is highlighting how there can be a national celebration delivering the “most inclusive, inspiring and globally connected FIFA Women’s World Cup ever”.

The bid has been welcomed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness who said: "The North East lives and breathes football and the women’s and girls' game is as vibrant here as anywhere in the country or even the world. Bringing the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 to the home of football would be amazing and I’m committed to helping make that happen.

"We want to make the North East the UK’s first Region of Sport, a place where every child growing up gets to experience the joy taking part in sport brings – and that’s also about bringing the big events here to inspire our future potential superstars to take that first step towards their dreams."