Manchester is set to welcome the UEFA Women’s EURO England 2022 national roadshow when it arrives in the city this weekend.
The roadshows, supported by Manchester, Trafford and Wigan Borough Councils will span a bumper weekend in Greater Manchester, with events at Cathedral Gardens, the Trafford Centre and Mesnes Park in Wigan. Each roadshow will provide visitors with an opportunity to get involved in an unmissable tournament.
England legend Rachel Brown-Finnis and Olympian and Question of Sports Team Captain Sam Quek will help get the celebrations underway at Cathedral Gardens on Saturday 28th May. Brown-Finnis earned 82 caps for the Lionesses and was also in the GB Olympic squad in 2012.
The festival of football and entertainment heads to the Trafford Centre on Monday 30th May, with England legend Sue Smith making an appearance.
Smith, who made her international debut at just 17, went on to receive 93 caps for England. The Trafford roadshow will be at the centre for three days up until 1 June.
Visitors to the free family events will have a chance to learn new football skills and tricks and take part in a series of fun interactive challenges. There is also the opportunity to win Women’s EURO ‘22 match tickets.
Wigan’s Mesnes Park will continue the pre-tournament build-up on 4th June with an exciting line-up including recently retired England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley in attendance.
The former Manchester City shot-stopper appeared in three World Cup’s and two EURO championships for England during a 17-year career with the national team.
She will be joined by football freestylers and local dance groups. The town will also host a special show pitch, where Wigan Athletic’s Foundation will provide taster sessions.
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Tournament Director, Chris Bryant said: “It’s fantastic to see Greater Manchester continuing the UEFA Women’s EURO 22 celebrations.
Hosting the tournament gives us an extraordinary opportunity to support local communities try out new football skills and learn more about the women’s game.
There is real excitement here in the region ahead of the tournament and the roadshows are a fun way for all the family to get involved and show their support”.
Olympic Gold Medallist Sam Quek said: “With so much to look forward to, UEFA Women’s EURO 22 is going to be incredible.
The Roadshows are a big part of growing that excitement because even more young people are being introduced to women’s football and with events taking place across the region, it’s a great first step into the sport and learning more about the tournament”.
Anyone wanting to get involved in grassroots football and learn more about other routes to get into the sport will have an opportunity to do so at the Roadshow, with visitors able to try a range of industry-related roles such as matchday presenting and interviewing in a special TV studio.
Local entertainment will be on offer throughout, with DJs performing live, along with a host of other exciting acts on the line-up.
Fans will also have a chance to have their picture taken with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 trophy.
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow will be open from 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday 28th May at Manchester Cathedral Gardens, 30th, 31st May and 1st June at the Trafford Centre and 11 am – 4 pm at Wigan’s Mesnes Park
Full details of the route and timings are available here www.thefa.com/WEURO2022Roadshow
Greater Manchester will be hosting eight tournament fixtures, including a quarter-final tie.
Tickets are on sale now for fans to experience a history-making tournament that aims to unite football and communities and amplify the growth of the women’s game. www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing
Prices start at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Visit www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing