As the eyes of the footballing world focus on Sheffield and Bramall Lane for the first semi-final of the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championship, there is another Sheffield venue playing an important role in the success of the tournament.
Football’s Coming Home … to Sheffield Cathedral
On Wednesday 27 July Sheffield Cathedral is partnering with UEFA and The FA to host the UEFA European Women’s Football Conference when representatives from UEFA, from the tournament’s organising committee, the English Football Association and from all the host cities will be coming to the Cathedral to celebrate the championships, to talk about their experiences of being a host city and share good practice ahead of the next tournament in 2025.
To get the city in the mood, Sheffield cathedral is bringing a giant inflatable football table to the city and inviting families, friends and colleagues to come down for a friendly or not-so-friendly 5-a-side game in the sun tomorrow (Tuesday)
During the conference, guests will be entertained by a small ensemble from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a community choir.
“The tournament is not just about football on the pitch. It’s also about giving the fans a good time, helping them to visit the host cities safely and to enjoy the culture of the host nation. Having the conference in the city which is home to the world’s first football club Sheffield FC, and in one of its most iconic venues just adds to this” said Bev Ward, Senior Host City Manager for the UEFA Women’s 2022.
“Being able to share everything we’ve learnt with our friends at UEFA is really important because we want the tournament to have legacy for women’s football and future championships.”
The Very Reverend Abigail Thompson, Dean of Sheffield and a Sheffield United supporter, said:
“It’s been wonderful to welcome international guests wearing their nation’s colours into the Cathedral over the past month.
“Few cities are passionate about their football in quite the way that Sheffield is, and it’s been great to share in the excitement of this tournament and enjoy all the good humour and friendly rivalry… and I’m delighted to see that the mighty Lionesses are doing us proud!
“Hosting a conference of such significance is a wonderful opportunity to show everyone how beautiful the Cathedral is, and how versatile it can be as a venue for so many different cultural events.
“We are a place for all people and a place to celebrate and explore new possibilities, which is exactly what this conference is all about,” she added.
Sheffield Cathedral will be closed to visitors until 2:30pm on Wednesday 27th July.
