Shrewsbury welcomes England Women stars ahead of World Cup qualifier
News from our partners the Football Association
England football internationals Karen Carney and Kerys Harrop were welcomed to Shrewsbury yesterday (Thursday 24 April 2014) ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier.
The England stars paid a visit to Greenhous Meadow Stadium, where they will take on Ukraine on Thursday 8 May 2014 (7.30pm kick off).
The players met with local children and took in a girls coaching session, which was part of an Easter holiday football course organised by Shrewsbury Town Community Sports Trust.
They were also welcomed by Shrewsbury Town FC’s chairman Roland Wycherley, manager Michael Jackson, and Leader of Shropshire Council Keith Barrow.
The children received top tips on developing their skills and improving their play. They also collected autographs, and had the chance to ask their burning questions about what it is like to play for England.
Karen Carney said:
“It has been great to come here today and receive such a fantastic welcome from the club, the community and local children.
“Kerys and I were really impressed with how many girls took part in the session; there seems to be lot of girls playing football in Shrewsbury and we hope they’ll be at the match against Ukraine.
“We are really looking forward to playing the game in Shrewsbury. We have a good track record in our World Cup campaign so far and we are hoping to continue the momentum and get another win.”
Shrewsbury last hosted England Women in 2010, when they took on Switzerland as part of a successful 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign. England are five matches into their qualifying campaign for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, which will take place in Canada, and sit top of Group 6 with a 100 per cent record.
Chairman Roland Wycherley said:
“We are delighted to be able to welcome the England players here to the club today and look forward to hosting this important game against Ukraine in a couple of weeks time. It is an exciting time for women’s football and we feel honoured to once again be part of it.”
Leader of Shropshire Council, Keith Barrow, added:
“The England players’ visit has highlighted this fantastic opportunity for the county of Shropshire. We are incredibly excited to be able to host a Women’s World Cup qualifier, and offer our community the chance to see world class football on their doorstep.”
Along with the feast of international women’s football, from 5.30pm on matchday fans are invited to take part in the FREE FA Junior Fanzone, brought by Continental Tyres.
Games include batak boards, a speed cage, a target shoot inflatable plus a trailer that houses the FA WSL trophy, Cyprus Cup and FA WSL Continental Cup, and digital stations. The FA WSL mascot Berry the bear will also be in attendance and staff from Shropshire FA will be on hand to provide information on local football opportunities. There will be hair braiding and facepainting, all of which will take place outside the Greenhous Meadow Stadium.
Tickets are on sale now for the match, priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, students and concessions. A family ticket is available at £10 (two adults, two children), and group discounts also apply.
Tickets can be purchased via www.shrewsburyfc.talent-sport.co.uk.
Ticket Information:
Adults £5
Children £2.50 – Under 18s
OAPs £2.50 – Over 65s
Students £2.50 – Valid NUS Card must apply
Family ticket £10 – 2 adults and 2 children
People with disabilities Full price according to age category, with carer going free
Group bookings for 15 people or more (no age restrictions and bookable in advance only): £3 Adults, £2 Concessions.
Tickets can be purchased online www.shrewsburyfc.talent-sport.co.uk or by calling 01743 273943.
Ground Address
Greenhous Meadow Stadium, Oteley Road, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ST.
Media Information
Catherine Stewart Catherine.Stewart@TheFA.com 07956 995 241
Melanie Rocher MelanieRocher@sportcel.com 0208 232 7189 / 07900 956938
Photo shows: (L to R) Keith Barrow, Leader Shrewsbury Council, Kerys Harrop of Birmingham City Ladies, Karen Carney of Birmingham City Ladies, Mike Jackson – first team manager Shrewsbury Town FC, and Roland Wycherley, Chairman – Shrewsbury Town FC, pose for a photo during the England Women’s Media Day at Greenhous Meadow on 24 April 2014 in Shrewsbury, England. (Photo by Clint Hughes – The FA via Getty Images)
