A festival of football will be coming to Manchester celebrating the countdown to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament this summer.
Setting up in Cathedral Gardens on Saturday, 28 May, the free roadshow will be a special festival of football, fitness and music, giving families the opportunity to get involved in one of the most exciting sporting events of the summer.
Manchester is one of ten host cities taking part in the roadshow which over the course of 43 days will travel more than 800 miles across the country.
It will kick off on May 21 in Sheffield and will finish on July 2 in London, just days before the official start of the tournament.
Leaving a lasting legacy for the women’s game is one of the key goals of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, and events like the roadshow will be key in helping to introduce more people to the women’s game and to create incredible memories for people who take part.
The roadshow will offer visitors an introduction to football, with a chance to learn new football skills and tricks as well as try match-day presenting and interviewing in a special BBC studio.
It will also feature live music from local artists and a showpiece football pitch, alongside the opportunity to get a picture with the trophy itself.
There will also be lots of exciting opportunities to meet legends from the women’s game, take part in interactive challenges and find out more about getting involved in grassroots football, the tournament, and how to purchase tickets for the tournament.
Joanne Roney, OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council said: “Manchester being one of the hosts for the Women’s EURO 2022 tournament is a wonderful opportunity for our city. Footballing passion runs deep here and this could not be a better time to create a real sense of buzz and excitement around the women’s game.
“Making football accessible is incredibly important if we are to encourage young people from all walks of life into the sport. Events like this roadshow are a great way to introduce people into the footballing community and show that everyone has a place in this game.”
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Tournament Director, Chris Bryant said: “The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow is a huge part of our commitment in ensuring that everyone can feel connected to this special tournament.
“As we head towards the opening match in Trafford, excitement across the country is growing, so it’s great to be able to provide an opportunity for communities to join each other in supporting their local area and celebrating the women’s game.
“We want to appeal to everyone, whether that be your regular football fan, or someone that has never given it a go before! Each Roadshow event will offer a chance to learn about the tournament in a fun environment, whilst trying out a few different skills from playing to presenting and with live music thrown it, they promise to be a great free day out for all the family.
“Tournament organisers are also developing a series of exciting digital challenges as part of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow. The online challenges that will be launched on 17 May will provide people with a fun way to get involved and show their support for the Tournament.”
