Delegation checks out World Cup bid

Jul 14 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A DELEGATION from the Football Association was in the North East yesterday to check out the regions credentials as it bids to host World Cup matches.

Newcastle, together with Gateshead, is one of 15 English cities to have submitted bids to hold matches in either 2018 or 2022, should England win the right to host the tournament.

The men in suits from the FA were shown the best the region has to offer in terms of not just its sporting facilities but also cultural assets and hotel facilities.

It is estimated a successful bid would bring in at least s25m into the regions coffers.

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of the NewcatleGateshead Initiative, who are coordinating the bid along with Newcastle and Gateshead councils and Newcastle United FC, said: We have emphasised the passion that people in the North East have for football.

That was a key part of our bid.

We sold the region as a full package. We split into three groups and showed them the sporting facilities, the hotels and accommodation and the other cultural gems we have.

It is not just Newcastle that would benefit from a successful bid, the whole region would.

Slaley Hall, for example, could be used to house a team or fans.

The world cup will be watched by about 24 billion people worldwide, it is an amazing shop window for the region.

John Shipley, leader of Newcastle Council, spent yesterday morning with the FA delegation. He said: We made a very strong presentation in the morning. NewcastleGateshead has a very strong attraction. The stadium and its location is a major advantage obviously.

But we also have great transport links, connections to the airport, rail and ferry links as well.