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.
On Wednesday 27 July we will be partnering up with UEFA and The FA to host the UEFA European Women’s Football Conference and celebrate women’s football. Representatives from UEFA, the tournaments organizing committee, the English Football Association and all the host cities will be joining us in celebrating the championships so far. To talk about their experiences as a host city and to share good practice ahead of the next tournament in 2025. An ensemble from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and community choir will also be joining the conference to perform for the guests.
“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 who is a huge Sheffield United supporter is delighted the Cathedral will be hosting the conference. “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.”
The Cathedral will be closed to visitors until 2:30pm on 27 Wednesday. The Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion will take place in the chapel of the Holy Spirit at 10:30am.