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
A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The inaugural live tour version of A League Of Their Own Live Tour is heading out across the UK, with a big Manchester show booked on the list of dates.
For fans of the hit sports-based TV show on Sky, this will be the first time ever that the A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) cast will be presenting, performing and cracking plenty of jokes in front of a proper live audience.
There’s no stopping and resetting to get the shot with this production: just them and the crowds up and down the country – we know you won’t let the side down, Manchester.
Booking one of the city’s biggest and most storied live entertainment spaces, we have every faith they’ll make it a night to remember.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN LIVE TOUR
The hit TV show announces its first-ever live arena tour! Hosted by Jamie Redknapp!
As you can see, already confirmed to be taking part in the live adaptation of the panel show are regular co-hosts Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott, as well as some of the big names.
In addition to famous former sports personalities like Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, they will also be joined by comedians Tom Davies and Maisie Adam.
Massive football fans themselves, who have both been part of the ALOTO cast in the past, it’s a funny lineup, for sure.
While the main presenter, Romesh Ranganathan, has not been confirmed as part of the touring crew, it’s worth noting that the lineup could change closer to the time. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have some special guests up their sleeves for one or two of the shows, either…
Please let us see ‘Wazza’ roped in to recreate this moment:
Speaking of the dates, you can see all the shows – including the Manchester this coming autumn – currently announced down below:
A League Of Their Own Live Tour dates – 2026
Friday, 4 September – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Saturday, 5 September – AO Arena, Manchester
Tuesday, 8 September – OVO Arena Wembley, London
Friday, 11 September – Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Monday, 14 September – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Thursday, 17 September – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
As detailed above, early access can be enjoyed either for Three Mobile members or via the venue’s official presale window, which opens at 10am this Thursday, 30 April.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live at the same time the following Friday (1 May); you can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena)
Sport
John Stones is leaving Manchester City after a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed he will be leaving after nearly a full decade in sky blue at the end of the season.
The England and Man City defender has lifted pretty much everything there is to win at club level, being part of the ‘Centurions’, Treble-winning and four-in-a-row sides.
John Stones signed for City back in August of 2016 and has gone on to be part of their greatest-ever period of success under Pep Guardiola, not to mention becoming a mainstay in the national team during that time.
Sharing a moving video on social media, announced the decision that will see him depart after the best part of 10 years this summer.
Having made nearly 300 appearances for the Cityzens, he will leave the Etihad as one of their most decorated players, with a tally of 19 major trophies, the same number of goals and nine assists during his time with the club.
That being said, depending on how the remainder of this 2025/26 campaign goes, all of those stats could improve even further.
Writing in an official statement of their own, Man City went on to say: “Armed with wonderful technique, a sublime passing range allied to a superb work rate and astute reading of the game, Stones was in many ways the very embodiment of Pep Guardiola’s City.
“Such was his natural talent and tactical flexibility that Stones’ City career later saw him often deployed in a hybrid role, which saw him move into the middle of the City engine room to great effect, not least in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final…”
He is now set to leave as a free agent this June.
John Stones will leave Manchester City in the summer, bringing an end to a memorable and hugely successful ten-year stay.
They sign off by adding that “the Club and all of our supporters will take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a superb servant of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the season.”
Following rumours of his departure in recent weeks and months, a number of clubs across Europe are already thought to have expressed interest in a transfer for the 31-year-old.
Some of the names floating around the Yorkshire-born centre-back’s signature include AC Milan and Bayern Munich; there have even been some hints at Everton attempting to re-sign him.
Where does he rank among your favourite City stars of all-time, Blues?
Emily Sergeant -
22nd April 2022 
