Club news

The Amex Chosen For Euro 2021 Bid

By James Hilsum • 29 August 2018

The American Express Community Stadium has been chosen as one of eight match venues in The FA’s bid to host the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2021.
 
Brighton & Hove Albion have joined forces with Brighton & Hove City Council and the Sussex County Football Association in helping to bring the tournament to England.
 
Albion chief executive Paul Barber added, “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen by The FA as one of their nine host cities for the bid.
 
“Myself, the chairman and board of directors, remain committed to increasing the profile of women’s football.
 
“We will work very closely with the Sussex County FA and Brighton & Hove City Council in supporting The FA to help bring such a prestigious tournament to this country.”
 
Albion’s women’s chair Michelle Walder said, “This is fantastic news, and it can only help to raise the profile of women’s football in the region, and inspire the next generation of young girls playing the sport.
 
“On behalf of everyone at the football club, I would like to wish The FA all the very best of luck with the bid.”
 
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the city’s tourism, development and culture committee, added, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the city to showcase women’s sport at the highest level and open up more opportunities for women and girls to play, as well as involve people in the tournament. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a successful bid which would benefit the city in so many ways.”
 
Sussex County FA chief executive Ken Benham added, “The opportunity to bring some of the best female players from across Europe to Sussex is one not be missed. We hope, if successful, that the tournament will inspire people to get involved in the ‘beautiful game’ and help us to grow and develop women’s and girls’ football across the county.”
 
The tournament involves 16 teams playing 31 matches. The FA would work with host cities to support wider tourism initiatives, as well as support participation programmes to encourage people to get involved with the event and the sport locally.
 
A decision on the bid is expected to be announced in December.