Doncaster's 15,231 all-seater Keepmoat Stadium, home to Doncaster Rovers will host England’s UEFA 2009 European Women’s Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic on Thursday 20 March. Kick-off will be 7.05pm.
England currently top Group One with maximum points from their opening three fixtures, but the Czech Republic are seen as the toughest opponents on the road to Finland, and are also unbeaten in their opening three group games.
The last time the two countries met was in an international friendly at Walsall FC in the build up to Euro 2005. After going a goal behind, England came back to win 4-1, with the game being remembered for an audacious 40 yard lobbed goal by Kelly Smith.
Since the turn of the year, Hope Powell's side have been to La Manga for a training camp, and next week travel to Cyprus to take on two of the world's top five sides in friendlies; Sweden and Norway.
Yesterday, UEFA confirmed that the 7th UEFA European Women's Championship will be played in four cities in Finland; the capital Helsinki, Tampere, Turku and Lahti. The matches will be played at the Olympic Stadium and Töölö Stadium in Helsinki, Kupittaa Stadium in Turku and Tampere's Ratina Stadium and Lahti Sport Centre.
With five qualifiers still to play, England Head Coach Hope Powell is not looking that far ahead though.
"There’s a long way to go in the group and this will be a tough game and in Pavlina Scasna [who played for Philadelphia Charge in the USA] we know they have someone who can turn a game.
“This is our last home qualifier and we really want to see as many fans as possible, as having a vociferous backing could make all the difference on the night.”
Doncaster Rovers Belles are one of the most well known women's teams in England and between 1983 and 1994, played in 11 FA Women's Cup Finals.
The club boasted players of the calibre of Gillian Coulthard and Karen Walker, whilst Karen Burke, Vicky Exley, Becky Easton and Leanne Hall are among a wider group of players who have earned England recognition whilst at the Belles.
South Yorkshire is also a hotbed for Girls and Women's football, with Julie Callaghan, the Football Development Officer for the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA saying: "We now have over 150 teams in our Girls County League and the numbers are growing all the time. The opportunity for young girls to see the likes of Kelly Smith, Faye White and all the players they saw on TV during the World Cup next month will be amazing."
Keepmoat Stadium last hosted international football in October, when England's U19 men's side ran out 5-1 winners over Iceland.
Gavin Baldwin, Chief Executive of the Keepmoat Stadium Management Company, said: “Playing host to another international match is a great coup for the stadium and for the town. The Keepmoat Stadium has a reputation as a top class facility and The FA’s decision to hold this international here is proof of that.
“Women’s football is becoming more and popular and if the international team’s performance in last year’s World Cup is anything to go by we will be in for a very exciting match.
“The stadium is home to our local women’s team the Doncaster Belles and we will be working closely with them and other women’s teams from across the region to ensure that our local up and coming stars can get to see some of this country’s most promising football talents.”
Tickets for the game will cost £5 for Adults and £2.50 for concessions, by calling the Keepmoat Stadium ticket hotline on 01302 762 576. Group Bookings are available with tickets £3 for Adults and £2 for concessions.
Media Accreditation:
Media wishing to attend the game should email Steve Uttley at: steveuttley@doncasterroversfc.co.uk |
