Uni chosen as Euro U17 venue

JUST days after Engand U17’s won the World Cup, Loughborough University has been announced as one of the venues to host the European Under-17 finals

Alongside Burton Albion, Chesterfield, Rotherham United, St. George’s Park and Walsall, Loughborough University has been selected to host the annual UEFA tournament, which sees Europe’s 16 elite nations go head to head.

Chesterfield will host the opening game and Rotherham United will stage the final, with fixtures taking place between May 4-20, 2018.

England won the U17 World Cup in sensational style on Saturday, coming back from 2-0 down to beat Spain 5-2.

Loughborough University Executive Director of Sport John Steele said: ““My colleagues and I are delighted that the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championships are coming to Loughborough University. Our purpose built football stadium will make a fantastic host venue alongside some of the larger football league grounds, and this event will add to the growing portfolio of national and international sporting events we are able to host on campus.”

England U17s head coach Steve Cooper said: ““We are very proud to be hosting the men’s European Under-17 finals next summer. St. George’s Park will be at the heart of training and matches and all six venues will give the players an opportunity to perform at different stadiums.

“Loughborough University is a world-renowned sports and educational establishment.”