A festival of football is arriving in Manchester city centre this summer to celebrate the countdown to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
Ahead of the start of the long-awaited tournament, the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow will be travelling more than 800 miles across the country to 10 host cities over the course of 43 days, and will be setting up in Cathedral Gardens in the heart of Manchester city centre for one-day only on Saturday 28 May.
It’s set to be a special festival of football, fitness, and music that gives families the opportunity to get involved in what will be one of the most exciting sporting events of the summer.
With the aim of “leaving lasting legacy for the women’s game” being one of the key goals of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, festival organisers say events like the roadshow will be key in helping to introduce more people to women’s football, all while creating incredible memories for people who take part.
So, what can football fans and festival-goers expect then?
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The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow is coming to Manchester on 28 May!
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 21, 2022
Well, not only will the roadshow offer visitors an introduction to football, with a chance to learn new football skills and tricks, and try some matchday presenting and interviewing in a special BBC studio, there’ll also be plenty of live music and entertainment provided by some great local artists.
There’ll also be a big showpiece football pitch in the middle of the city centre greenspace, as well as the opportunity to get a picture with the trophy itself.
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You can also expect to be able to take part in some interactive challenges and find out more about getting involved in grassroots football, the tournament, and even how to purchase tickets for the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the Roadshow’s arrival in Manchester, Joanne Roney, OBE – Chief Executive of Manchester City Council – said: “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 [as] making football accessible is incredibly important if we are to encourage young people from all walks of life into the sport.
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“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.”
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow will be setting up in Cathedral Gardens when it stops off in Manchester / Credit: Manchester City Council
“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,” added Chris Bryant – UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Tournament Director.
“We want to appeal to everyone, whether that be your regular football fan, or someone that has never given it a go before [so] 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 in, it promises to be a great free day out for all the family.”
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Roadshow will be in Cathedral Gardens in Manchester city centre on Saturday 28 May from 11am – 5pm.
Featured Image – UEFA / Manchester City Council
Sport
Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground
Danny Jones
Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.
The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.
As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.
In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.
As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.
Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.
Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.
As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”
They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.
'The Swinton Lionesses today proudly announced the launch of their new identity – the Manchester Swinton Lionesses – marking an exciting new chapter not only for women’s rugby league but for the evolution and ambition of one of the sport’s most historic clubs.
Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.
“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”
Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.
“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”
As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.
Manchester City reach ‘agreement in principle’ to sign winger Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Yes, if the latest reports are to be believed, Man City are further bolstering their offensive options with a deal for another wide forward in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo, now virtually done.
Having emerged as one of the Premier League’s hottest properties over the past couple of years, Antoine Semenyo has gone from not only being an extremely prolific winger, but beyond a flavour of the month, with multiple teams expressing their interest in recent months.
That being said, despite being linked with local rivals Manchester United, current champions Liverpool and an already heavily staffed Chelsea side, it looks as though City have now won the race to sign Semenyo – one they seem to have been leading since the start.
According to sports journalists Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, the Blues have now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ for the Ghanaian international, meaning it is merely just a case of crossing Ts and dotting Is.
🚨 BREAKING: Antoine Semenyo's move to Manchester City from Bournemouth is now agreed in principle. Clubs in process of drafting paperwork.
Clarity on Semenyo's move date expected in the next 24 hours.
As per the update on New Year’s Day (and the opening 24 hours of the 2026 January transfer window), the talkSPORT correspondents claim that while final personal terms are still to be fully confirmed, the deal is effectively done.
Semenyo’s release clause was set at £65 million, which is approximately the same figure they sold former striker Dominic Solanke to Spurs for, but inevitable add-ons and bonuses are likely to set a club record fee in terms of player sales.
Writing on social media, Crook said: “Semenyo move from #AFCB to #MCFC pretty much done now. Deal agreed in principle, and contracts being drafted by the two clubs.”
Moreover, Semenyo joining City could also set a few other dominoes in motion once officially over the line and fully announced…
However, it is also thought that manager Andoni Iraola’s insistence that the draw against Chelsea was “definitely not” his last game suggests that City fans will still have to wait some more before they see him in the sky blue strip.
The Cherries’ boss has been clear that he wants his attacking talisman to feature in their upcoming game against Arsenal this weekend.
As a result, this will most likely see completion of the albeit all but done transfer delayed even further, hence why Pep Guardiola and co. will have to wait to try him in the starting XI.
It’s also worth noting that although the 25-year-old made it clear he doesn’t just want somewhere he can win trophies, but has already named the Etihad Stadium as his desired destination, many have suggested that he could end up losing momentum amid the wealth of attackers being rotated.
Happy with the business, Blues? And as for you neutrals, do you think it’s the right next step for him?
Emily Sergeant -
22nd April 2022 
