Brighton brings European women’s football championship home
The American Express Community Stadium has been named as one of nine match venues for the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2021.
Brighton & Hove Albion worked together with Brighton & Hove City Council and Sussex County Football Association to support The FA’s bid back in August, and the stadium will now host top-level European football in three years’ time.
Albion chief executive and deputy chairman, Paul Barber, said: “This is fantastic news for the football club and the wider Sussex community as a whole.
“Our stadium has a proven track record and a growing reputation for hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting events, and it is great that we will have the chance to do so once again. We will continue to work very closely with Sussex County FA and Brighton & Hove City Council, in supporting The FA with hosting such a prestigious tournament.”
Albion’s women’s football chair Michelle Walder said: “I am delighted for all concerned, and would like to congratulate The FA on their successful bid.
“This will greatly help to raise the profile of women’s football as a whole, and it will be fantastic to welcome some of the top female players in Europe to our stadium.”
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the council’s tourism, development and culture committee, added: “We’re over the moon to hear the news – it’s a great early Christmas present. It’s a fantastic boost for women’s football in the region and a great accolade for the city.
“As a host city we have a real opportunity to help raise the profile of women’s football locally and nationally.”
Sussex County FA chief executive, Ken Benham, commented: “We’re delighted that some of the finest female players from across Europe will be showcasing their skills right here in Sussex.
“The tournament has the power to inspire and we hope it will encourage more people into the game.
“We have opportunities for all ages and abilities to get involved with football, so we’re really looking forward to the increased exposure the championships will bring to the local area.”
Brighton & Hove has a successful track record in hosting major sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup in 2015. In 2014 the city welcomed Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain bike race and the annual Brighton Marathon is the UK’s second largest.
The event will showcase the city to an international audience, supporting tourism and the local economy. In 2017, when England reached the semi-finals, the UEFA women’s Euro viewing figures reached a global audience of 165 million.
