Women’s EURO 2022 roadshow is coming to Manchester with mini BBC studio and chance to meet legends

A festival of football is coming to Manchester as the city gears up to host matches in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament.

A roadshow will be held in the city centre as it tours the country in the run-up to the big kick-off at Old Trafford when England’s Lionesses take on Austria in front of a sold-out crowd.

The aim of the event is to drum up more interest in women’s football before Europe’s best teams battle it out for continental silverware.

Here’s your guide to when the roadshow is coming to Manchester and what you can expect when you turn up there.

When is the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 roadshow event in Manchester and what will happen on the day?

The roadshow will pitch up in Cathedral Gardens in Manchester city centre on Saturday 28 May between 11am and 5pm.

It will be free to attend and hopes to whet the appetite for what the organisers are hoping will be one of the biggest and best-attended women’s football tournaments ever staged.

The roadshow will offer visitors a chance to learn new football skills and tricks as well as try matchday presenting and interviewing in a special BBC studio.

It will also feature live music from local artists and a showpiece football pitch, alongside the opportunity to get a picture with the trophy itself.

There will also be lots of exciting opportunities to meet legends from the women’s game, take part in interactive challenges and find out more about getting involved in grassroots football, the tournament, and how to purchase tickets.

As well as the high-profile opening game a number of matches are taking place in Greater Manchester, with the Manchester City Academy Stadium and the Leigh Sports Village (LSV) both on the list of venues.

Why is the roadshow taking place?

The roadshow is travelling the country to help build buzz about the tournament before it gets under way at the start of July.

It will kick off on 21 May in Sheffield and finish on 2 July in London, covering more than 800 miles in the course of 43 days.

The tournament organisers are keen to create a lasting legacy and it is hoped events like the roadshow will help create new fans of women’s football by introducing them to the game.

What has been said about the roadshow and its arrival in Manchester?

Joanne Roney, OBE, chief executive of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester being one of the hosts for the Women’s EURO 2022 tournament is an incredible opportunity for our city.

“Footballing passion runs deep here and this could not be a better time to create a real sense of buzz and excitement around the women’s game.

“Making football accessible is incredibly important if we are to encourage young people from all walks of life into the sport. Events like this roadshow are a great way to introduce people into the footballing community and show that everyone has a place in this game.”

UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament director, Chris Bryant, said: “The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow is a huge part of our commitment in ensuring that everyone can feel connected to this special tournament.

“As we head towards the opening match in Trafford, excitement across the country is growing, so it’s great to be able to provide an opportunity for communities to join each other in supporting their local area and celebrating the women’s game.

“We want to appeal to everyone, whether that be your regular football fan, or someone that has never given it a go before!

“Each Roadshow event will offer a chance to learn about the tournament in a fun environment, whilst trying out a few different skills from playing to presenting and with live music thrown it, they promise to be a great free day out for all the family.

“Tournament organisers are also developing a series of exciting digital challenges as part of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow. The online challenges that will be launched on 17 May will provide people with a fun way to get involved and show their support for the Tournament.”