Sunderland 2018 Host City Bid

Sunderland today welcomed a delegation from the Football Association as the city’s bid to host matches at the 2018 football World Cup gathered pace. The seven strong inspection team was given a loud and enthusiastic reception by scores of schoolchildren on arrival at the Stadium of Light this morning. There, they met the bid team, led by former Olympic athlete and bid champion Steve Cram, and Sunderland AFC chief executive Steve Walton. After a presentation and time at the stadium, the inspection team divided into three groups and spent the day visiting venues and locations across the North East.

Sunderland has put together a hosting proposal that involves every part of the region. Along with sites in Sunderland, the bid outlines how facilities will be used in Northumberland, Tyneside, County Durham and Tees Valley. The inspection team saw and heard how sites such as the Darlington Arena and Durham University will play crucial roles if Sunderland hosts World Cup matches in 2018.

In and around Sunderland, locations such as the seafront at Seaburn and Roker and Herrington Country Park will be transformed into fan fests for visiting supporters. The inspection team was shown both sites and witnessed over 70 youngsters playing with a giant football on the beach. The involvement of young people and the creation of a lasting legacy are both fundamental aspects of Sunderland’s bid.

At the heart of the Sunderland 2018 Host City bid are the people of the city and the region. The bid team outlined how the North East’s passion for sport and football in particular can be used to create a spectacle worthy of the World Cup.

The visit concluded with a reception at Asiana in the Echo 24 building at which Sunderland AFC manager Steve Bruce added his support for the bid, along with One North East chairman Margaret Fay and a host of leading business people from around North East England.

The inspection team was then driven to the five star Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa for a special ‘world’ meal prepared by renowned North East chef Kenny Atkinson, winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu, and the region’s only chef with a Michelin Star.

Steve Cram, Sunderland 2018 Host City bid champion, comments:

I think that the inspection team has had two very good days in the North East. It was a huge privilege to lead the presentation on behalf of Sunderland and I think that the team did a fantastic job of demonstrating what the city and region can offer the World Cup.

I have always maintained that what makes a major sports event special is the people at the host venue, and that has been true for every international occasion I have competed at or attended. That’s why I think that bringing World Cup matches to North East England would be a massive success. Here in Sunderland and also in NewcastleGateshead, we have the technical ability to host games, but we are also blessed with people who will make sure that they are spectacular events. To echo the Sunderland 2018 bid core message, let’s welcome the world.

Members of the public can show support for the Sunderland 2018 bid by visiting www.sunderland2018-2022.com and following the links to the FA’s website.