Newcastle kicks off campaign to host 2035 Womens World Cup matches
Newcastle has started its campaign to host matches in the 2035 Womens FIFA World Cup.
The UK has today confirmed it has submitted its bid to host the event in ten years’ time.
Two North East cities have been announced as proposed venues, with St James Park and the Stadium of Light in Sunderland both in contention.
Newcastle and Sunderland are two of 16 proposed host cities with 22 stadiums in the bid proposals, and if successful FIFA will reduce that to a final line-up of host cities.
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."
With host status, Newcastle would look to deliver a series of large-scale community events such as fan festivals for up to 10,000 people alongside matches at St James' Park .
Councillor Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "The incredible recent successes of the Lionesses have elevated interest and participation in women’s sports to new heights and it’s so exciting for Newcastle and the wider region to be at the heart of such a momentous occasion as the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
"We’ve held many global sporting events in recent years and we know how to put on a show. Putting local rivalries aside and joining forces with Sunderland to position the North East front and centre of the biggest football competition of them all is a rare opportunity to showcase our proud region to the world and inspire a generation of women and girls."
Grace Williams, Director of Women’s Football, Newcastle United Women, added: "The North East has produced some of England’s greatest ever women’s footballers, and the region is renowned for its passion and love of football.
“The incredible backing that we receive from our fans highlights the passion for the game each and every week, and this support is continuing to grow.
"Any nation who would play a FIFA Women’s World Cup game here would instantly experience the warmth of the community and the unrivalled love for football that we have. I can’t imagine a World Cup in England without games being held in this part of the country."