The Lionesses could be set to make history as they take centre stage at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday.
And you can make your way down to Piccadilly Gardens to see all the action unfold.
Fresh off the back of a groundbreaking win at the UEFA Women’s EURO last year, England’s outstanding Women’s team has once again booked their place in a final – but this time, it’s for a chance to clinch what is undoubtedly the most coveted title of them all.
After storming past Australia and claiming an impressive 3-1 victory over The Matildas in the semi final earlier this week, The Lionesses now face Spain in the last match of the Women’s World Cup.
#ENG have reached the #FIFAWWC Final for the first time. 🥹
If you’re hoping to catch the match this weekend when it kicks off at 11am on Sunday, then there’s going to be absolutely no shortage of places to watch – but if you’re really keen to soak in all the atmosphere surrounded by hundreds of other passionate fans right here in Manchester city centre, then you’ll probably want to head on down to Piccadilly Gardens.
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That’s because Manchester City Council has just announced that a huge screen will be set up in the middle of the public greenspace so you can see every kick, tackle, and hopefully, celebration, up close.
There’s also going to be a dedicated fan zone for the occasion too, opening from 10am.
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Women’s World Cup final to be shown on a big screen in Piccadilly Gardens / Credit: Manchester City Council
Entrance into the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone will operate on a first-come, first-served basis – with the capacity capped at 6,000.
Fans will be able to choose whether to watch the big screen action from the strictly no-alcohol grassed area of Piccadilly Gardens, or from the adjoining raised platform area with its existing bars – which the Council says will operate “in accordance with the usual Sunday licensing restrictions”.
Fans are encouraged to “travel light” with no big bags if they’re heading to the fan zone.
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The Council is also encouraging people to bring their own food and soft drinks, and reminding that no glasses or bottles will be allowed.
Routine bag searches will also be in operation.
The Lionesses are facing Spain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday / Credit: Lionesses (via Twitter)
“As a city that loves its football, it’s been absolutely fantastic to watch the skill and determination shown by the Lionesses over these last few weeks in the World Cup,” Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said ahead of the final this Sunday.
“Getting to the final is a massive achievement and we want them to know that the whole of Manchester is behind them, so if you’re looking for some big screen action to cheer the Lionesses on and an atmosphere to rival that in Australia, Piccadilly Gardens is the place to be.
“But whatever you do, and wherever you are, this is one match you don’t want to miss.”
While this new venture is focused on youth football, it’s their second in the United States after New York City FC and could help create new pro pathways into the sport at a grassroots level.
Introducing CFG franchise number 13: Man City North Texas FC.
As per an official statement on their website, “Man City North Texas FC delivers youth soccer programs for boys and girls aged 8–19, led by Manchester City coaches and built on the same coaching methodology developed within the Club.
“Every session is designed to help players become better soccer players, technically, tactically, and mentally, through modern, enjoyable training that builds confidence on and off the pitch.”
Basically serving as another academy setup across the pond, North Texas FC will no doubt help not only develop and create opportunities for aspiring young footballers over in the US, but likely serve as yet another feeder programme/outlet for tapping up the latest American talents.
We’ve already seen fairly recently examples such as ex-players Jack Harrison and Zack Steffen coming through the likes of New York and remaining on City’s wider books and either making the move over for a taste of first-team football or being loaned out to other teams.
Even if they ultimately go on to be sold, the aim is to help nurture youngsters and promise three main takeaways: an “authentic Manchester City methodology”, delivered by actual MCFC coaches, and a clear development pathway.
CITYCOACH gives coaches around the world access to the Manchester City methodology – sharing the knowledge, practices, and philosophy that shape how we develop players at every level ⚽️
This most recent ‘youth soccer club’ is just the latest in a long line of fresh Manchester City Football Programs created over the past decade or so, with coaching now being provided to children of all ages across a total of 38 cities in 14 countries.
At present, more than 40,000 kids are estimated to participate in these schemes every year, and thanks to Man City North Texas FC, that number is set to climb even further.
So, if you or someone you know happens to be based in or near the ‘Mean Green’ sporting hub of the ‘Lone Star State’, you can register interest HERE.
Meanwhile, in news closer to home, there are plenty of other big developments happening over at the Etihad Campus. Find out more down below.
The Premier League is keeping its crucial cap on away game ticket prices – for now
Danny Jones
The Premier League has announced it is extending its crucial price cap for away games, as the general cost of match tickets continues to creep up all over the country.
Most season card holders, be they here in Greater Manchester or elsewhere, are likely looking at their annual spending going up simply, so steps like these are key in keeping first division football as affordable as possible.
And that’s just the ongoing cost of living, let alone the clubs that are continuing the trend of charging more each year and, unfortunately, even pricing some supporters out entirely.
With that in mind, the news of England’s top-flight sides voting unanimously to keep the £30 cap intact for at least another two years comes as relief to those who spend most of the year putting their hard-earned cash towards following their team home and away.
BREAKING: The Premier League extend £30 cap on away tickets for another two seasons 🚨 pic.twitter.com/L336aZwmn3
Now confirmed to remain in place until the end of the 2027/28 campaign, travelling fans obviously still spend plenty of money on transport and so on every year, but at least they don’t have to worry about rising general admissions.
At least not for the time being…
Writing in a statement, the Premier League said: “Away fans help create the incredible atmosphere Premier League matches are renowned for. Since the cap’s implementation in 2016, it has contributed to attendance at away games increasing from 82% to 91%.”
They also acknowledged the significant and regular funds that supporters still spend on these trips, with plenty of people online also praising the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which helped spearhead the campaign over a decade ago.
With so many other obstacles still getting in the way of fans making it to games either at their usual stadium or on an away day – not least of all the constant and increasingly frustrating rescheduling of fixtures – it’s good to see this isn’t an area the Prem are trying to target.
As always, the multi-billion-pound business can always seek out other, newer money spinners, and we’re absolutley certain they will. For instance, there’s at least one happening over in Spain that we’d happily see carried over here.
Following the news, this now means that fans will ultimately have enjoyed 12 back-to-back seasons of the benefit, and long may it continue.
Nevertheless, the biggest barrier for people to watch the beautiful game at its highest level in the UK remains the cost of standard tickets.
The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Leeds and more have already let matchgoers know that their season ticket prices will be going up, and the likes of Man City have already seen backlash for increasing rates amid the expansion of the Etihad Campus.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
