If we were to win the bid, active for four years now, it would mark a milestone few years for the country. Coming off the back of what will hopefully be a hugely successful Olympic Games in 2012, the tournament will once again provide hundreds of new jobs and reinstall a countrywide passion for the game.
Last time we hosted the World Cup was 1966, a date that conjures memories of unparalleled victory in the minds’ of all football fans. For those not so football orientated, England won the trophy in 1966 after beating West Germany 4-2, lifting the cup in front of an elated Queen at the old Wembley Stadium.Recently, after our bid began to falter after a good period of media interest died out, FIFA president Sepp Blatter handed a lifeline to the bid by agreeing to become honorary president of Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest team. Although without a stadium for several years and thoroughly out of the media limelight, the announcement will boost Sheffield FC’s attempts to reinvent themselves and help to reinforce the belief, and what many people believe to be a fact, that England is the spiritual home of football. The news is also good for Sheffield and in turn; Yorkshire, as it greatly boosts the city’s chances of being successful in their bid for games. Should the tournament be awarded to England, it will most likely be a catalyst for rejuvenating this great county, with Hull, Leeds and Sheffield all conducting bids to be host cities.
Moreover, the three Yorkshire cities have contacted York with a view to the culture capital of the region being a fan base, a hub if you will, for fans and tourists to watch the games. With the famous attractions and an already established hotel infrastructure, the city would be the centre-point of Yorkshire’s attempt to bring the World Cup to the region.To back the bid, visit www.2018england.co.uk, find the Facebook group or follow the bid’s progress on Twitter and if you see us out and about with our BTB2018 Scarves make sure you get involved and have a picture.
Matt Okey
