International football is likely to return to Brighton and Hove if the FA successfully bids to host the Women’s UEFA championships.
The AMEX Community Stadium is one of eight, including Wembley, listed as part of the bid to showcase the women’s game in the home of football.
England was the only country to submit its bid on time, but it will still face scrutiny from UEFA.
Last year the Lionesses reached the semi-finals of the championships in The Netherlands, reaching a global television audience of 165 million.
A report going before Brighton and Hove City Council’s Tourism, Development and Culture Committee on Thursday 27 September, describes the event as an opportunity for the city to “benefit from promotion and visibility”.
The cost to the authority is expected to come to approximately £215,000, covering promotion and marketing, fan engagement, staff support, traffic management and city dressing.
A further £10,000 is proposed for event safety, with 85 per cent of this paid by central government.
However, councillors are advised the city will benefit from funding from the FA for participation programmes and potential investment.
The tournament is described as a way to promote the women’s and girls’ game in the city.
This would include:
- SSE Wildcat Centres that showcase the benefits of participation in football to women and girls
- Albion in the Community – Female Football Development Programme
- Girls’ Football Festival
- Promotion of opportunities for women in coaching, refereeing and administration
The FA has committed £100,000 a year from 2019-2021 for host cities to develop football participation programmes for women and girls.
Ideas include developing “fans of tomorrow” programmes and encouraging volunteering at matches for mascots, flag bearers and welcomers.
Hundreds of mini-pitches with support facilities are proposed for all host cities, with the FA paying hosts between £100,000 and £130,000 to develop them.
The Tourism, Culture and Development Committee meets in public at Hove Town Hall on Thursday 27 September from 4pm.
