Birmingham's bid to be a host city for the World Cup 2018 has
been given a multi-team, star-studded kick- off when a host of
football players and fans from Birmingham -from ballet dancers and
musicians to comedians and chefs - joined the Leader of Birmingham
City Council Mike Whitby, Deputy Leader Paul Tilsley and Cabinet
Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Martin Mullaney in front of
the Council House.
Putting friendly football rivalry aside, all were there to
pledge their backing of Birmingham's bid and to drum up support for
the campaign from the public by encouraging everyone to vote for
Birmingham at a new website www.backthebirminghambid.com
Attendees at the launch included Birmingham City players Cameron
Jerome and Martin Taylor and avid Blues fan comedian Jasper
Carrott. Former Villa player, Ian Taylor was also there to show
support alongside current Villa defender Carlos Cuellar, Phil
Etheridge lead singer of Birmingham indie band The Twang, and
Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer, Kit Holder.
They were joined by Birmingham City Ladies Team centre forward
Cristina Torkilsden as well as Jabbar Khan, manager of Lasan Indian
restaurant.
As one of 16 cities vying to be selected as a host city for the
official England World Cup 2018 Bid (www.england2018bid.com)
Birmingham has until 6 November to submit an official bid to the FA
outlining its facilities and plans for the World Cup.
Votes from members of the public will count towards the city's
chances of being selected.
Birmingham's bid is built on a strong partnership with Aston
Villa FC, using Villa Park as the stadium venue and the city's
other football clubs - Blues and West Bromwich Albion - providing
training grounds and camps.
There would also be four team base camps in the region where
National teams would stay for the duration of the
tournament.
The NEC would become the site of a National Fan Park and there
would be another Local Fan Park at Cannon Hill Park.
The city's iconic buildings and venues would also be used for
other major elements of the competition such as the official
Tournament Draw and there would be a host of 'live' sites from to
watch matches, whilst the city would be festooned with banners,
flags and posters to welcome the national teams and visitors.
Cllr Mike Whitby said: "Birmingham is an ideal host city. We've
got everything, the transport infrastructure, the facilities, the
expertise and of course a huge passion for sport.
"Such is our cultural diversity that we can guarantee a warm
welcome for any teams based in Birmingham and, very likely, a home
crowd for every game.
"Hosting the World Cup would be a tremendous achievement for the
city, enabling us to showcase our ability to stage international
sporting events on a grand scale and involving everyone in the
community in some way.
"We hope that the public will pledge their support by voting for
Birmingham as a host city."
Cllr Tilsley said: "Birmingham is an ideal city for World Cup
matches to be staged in 2018. We have a real passion for football
and the facilities on offer would undoubtedly be loved by players,
coaching staff and fans alike. Big matches have been staged here in
the past and I hope they will again in the future."
The official FA England Bid team will be in the city this
Wednesday 9 September to carry out site inspections and assess key
elements of the bid like transport, security, medical facilities as
well as Villa Park, the NEC and key hotels.
The FA will announce which 11 English cities will go forward as
part of the official England 2018 bid by December 2009.
England's Bid to FIFA will then be submitted by May 2010 and
after the World Cup in South Africa, FIFA will announce the 2018
Host Nation by December 2010.