Football is our passion
Aug 24 2010 by Adam Jupp, The Journal
FIFA delegates are touring the country to assess England's bid to host the World Cup in 2018. Adam Jupp looks at what the North has to offer.
FOOTBALL could be coming home to one of its traditional heartlands in 2018. England is bidding to stage the World Cup and both Sunderland and Newcastle Gateshead have been named as places where games would be played.
Matches would be held at the Stadium of Light and St James’ Park, while a host of other venues across the North East would be used to accommodate players, fans and officials.
It is estimated that having this feast of football in the region would give our economy a £60m cash boost, with tens of thousands of fans jetting in to follow their teams.
And officials say there is no better place to bring the biggest contest on the planet due to our unrivaled passion for the beautiful game.
The whole region has united in its support for the FA’s 2018 bid, ranging from celebrities and politicians to junior players and schoolchildren, all of whom are desperate to give a warm welcome to the footballing world.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn knows first-hand why the North East is the ideal place for the World Cup to be staged, having been involved in three tournaments himself.
He said: “As a player, it was my privilege to experience three FIFA World Cups first-hand and I know what it takes to make a great tournament.
“In my days with the Republic of Ireland, the passion of the fans at Italia ’90 and in South Korea and Japan in 2002 stuck in my memory and really enhanced those tournaments.
“The passion for football that the North East possesses is second-to-none and I know from personal experience what a warm welcome the local people give to all their visitors.
“I first came here in 1996 and the place is now my home, I love it.
“There is no doubt that Sunderland and North East England would provide a magical welcome to visiting fans and I know they will ensure the region delivers a monumental spectacle and experience that will enhance and do honour to the tournament.”
Former Newcastle United star Peter Beardsley has also played in two World Cups and had a key role in securing Newcastle Gateshead’s status as a host city, if England are awarded the tournament in December.
He said: “The North East has a totally unique passion for football. As a former England international footballer I can honestly say that there is no greater honour than to be selected to play for your country.
“However, being chosen to play for your country in your own country where football is a religion would be an amazing experience.
“If England’s 2018 Bid is successful the level of excitement combined with investment would be sure to inspire the region’s young footballers and create a sporting legacy for generations to come.
“Football really is in the hearts of people in the North East and I am proud to have supported the bid and to have made my case for Newcastle Gateshead and England.
“It’s now down to the fans to pledge their support and show FIFA that England has got what it takes and bring the World Cup home.”
England’s bid book, which has been handed to FIFA, includes details of everything we have to offer here.
It points to the region’s two airports, with links to more than 250 countries in all continents of the world, as well as our excellent road, rail and sea connections. The Metro network links Newcastle Gateshead and Sunderland, as well as stretching out to other parts of the region, is also seen as a major strength, as are the thousands of hotels, to meet all budgets, within half-an-hour from both the Stadium of Light and St James’ Park. We are experienced at hosting major events, with games played during Euro ‘96, the Great North Run and Aviva Grand Prix Athletics. The message being delivered to FIFA is – “We could host the World Cup tomorrow.”
Facts and figures:
ST JAMES’ PARK
Capacity: 52,387
Pitch size: 105 x 68m
Record home attendance: 68.386 vs Chelsea, September 3, 1930
Record average attendance: 59,222, 1947/48
STADIUM OF LIGHT
Capacity: 49,000
Pitch size: 105 x 68m
Record home attendance: 48,353 vs Liverpool, April 13, 2002
Record average attendance: 46,790, 2000–01 season
