A huge day of football took place in London today, as UEFA Women’s EURO England 2022 held its final roadshow after surpassing a record 500,000 ticket sales – more than double the previous tournament in 2017.
The capital’s Potters Fields Park was the last stop for the countrywide tour which saw more than 35,000 people across England soaking up the pre-tournament atmosphere.
Former England International’s Rachel Yankey and Jermaine Jenas joined in the celebrations, just days before the opening sold-out fixture at Old Trafford on 6 July.
Yankey, who earned 129 caps for England and represented her country at the 2011 FIFA World Cup and 2013 UEFA Women’s EURO, said: “I think the importance of the roadshows is absolutely huge.
“It’s fantastic that we’re all able to celebrate the fact that the Women’s EURO are being held in this country – fans will be able to go to games up and down the nation, which raises even further awareness for the women’s game.
“Whether they’re tourists, or just people coming down finding out more about the Women’s EURO and hopefully supporting their country, the role of the roadshows is pretty cool and really important.
“The tournament will be crucial for educating young fans about players, where their local football clubs are and getting more girls into football.”
Former England star Jenas, who earned 21 caps for the Three Lions between 2003 and 2009, added: “I’m really impressed with the Women’s EURO roadshows and I, like everyone else now, am itching for the tournament to start.
“That sense of anticipation for another major tournament has been building for a long time now – hopefully the Lionesses can get the job done on home soil.
“I think the women’s game deserves all the credit for where it is at right now – they’re the ones who have taken it global and it’s things like this in the background that knit it together.
“Getting people down here, capitalising on all the promotional work that has been done, getting people talking about it and excited.
“These girls are inspiring a generation of women footballers.
“I’ve got three daughters myself – for young girls to be able to physically see a scenario that they could go and achieve is a different type of inspiration.
“So go and get your tickets, go and support them and maybe, we’ll be able to sing ‘it’s coming home’ properly this summer!”
Earlier this week, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 also announced matchdays won’t be the only chance for fans to experience the atmosphere of the tournament. Throughout July the tournament’s official events programme will host a range of arts, heritage and music activities all inspired by the record-breaking tournament.
All nine host cities across England will stage a series of exciting events where iconic locations will be transformed into Fan Parties, for supporters of all nations and families to enjoy food, music and entertainment, as well as watch some of the world’s best players in action on large screens.
UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, Head of Tournament Delivery, Chris Bryant said: “With 500,000 tickets sold, six of the top ten teams in the world, some of the very best players of this generation, and an incredible fan events programme at iconic locations across the country, UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 is a record-breaking tournament, surpassing anything women’s football has ever seen before.
“It’s been fantastic to see the public reaction to the tournament, to women’s football and to women’s sport overall.
“We’re really hoping that this tournament this summer is exactly what the country needs.
“The roadshow has been a phenomenal success – we’re feeling that atmosphere and excitement and can’t wait.”
More information about the Fan Parties and the full Fan Festival programme for each city is now available on the official Event Companion section of the UEFA Women’s EURO mobile app: https://womenseuro.page.link/2sZD
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
