Great Britain to Host IFAF Women’s European Championships in 2019
Following a hugely successful start to the GB Lions women’s programme that has seen them rocket up the international ranks since their founding only a few short years ago, IFAF have announced that the UK will play hosts to the 2019 IFAF Women’s European Championships!
Currently ranked #1 in Europe after their fourth-place finish at the World Championships in 2017, the Lions will come into the tournament as favourites to lift their first international championship trophy in Leeds later this year.
Per IFAF.org:
British American Football Association announce John Charles Stadium as host venue
Great Britain is set to play host to the 2019 Women’s European Championship.
The British American Football Association (BAFA) has confirmed that the event will be staged at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds over the course of the week commencing August 18th.
The championship, which sees Finland as reigning champions having won the previous tournament held in Spain in 2015, will feature 6 teams and a format similar to that used in Vancouver, Canada, at the 2017 World Championship.
Under Head Coach Jim Messenger, hosts Great Britain have quickly risen to prominence in the global women’s game. The championship in Spain was the national team’s first competitive tournament. Having secured the Silver medal the team went on to take fourth place in the 2017 World Championship, becoming Europe’s number 1 ranked team in the process.
In choosing Leeds to stage the event BAFA have opted for somewhere they know well. The John Charles Stadium has hosted numerous BritBowl and British University Championship Games and the area has a number of strong domestic programmes. Competing teams will be based at Leeds Beckett University, one of the nation’s foremost sporting institutions.
On confirming the hosting arrangements Chair of BAFA Nichole McCulloch
“This is fantastic news for BAFA, the country and the development of women’s football in Great Britain. The women’s game has gone from strength to strength over recent years and the staging of this event will provide a tremendous opportunity to showcase the very best of the sport to the British public and engage a new generation of girls into the sport.”
IFAF Director for Europe, Gregor Murth welcomed the announcement.
“We look forward to the staging of the Women’s European Championship in Leeds. I have no doubt that BAFA will host a tremendous event and the athletes of Europe will look forward to the hospitality and support of the people of Leeds.”
Confirmation of entries will commence on Friday 11 January.
For further details please contact [email protected]
