AFC Telford to host Women's under-17 Euro ceremony
AFC Telford United will stage the opening ceremony of the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship with host nation England kicking off the tournament.
The New Bucks Head will be the venue when the Three Lionesses open their challenge on Tuesday November 26, kicking off at 12.30pm, as one of four stadiums.
The other game in England's group will follow at Telford that evening, starting at 7pm, while they host will another two group fixtures on the following Friday and Monday.
Those matches also get under-way at 12.30pm with the full eight country line-up yet to be confirmed although Scotland, Spain and Austria have already qualified.
The other locations picked for the event are Hinckley United's De Montfort Park, Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium and Chesterfield's Proact Stadium, which will host the final.
Games have been scheduled in both the daytime and evening to provide schools, fans and families the chance to come along.
Tournament director Adrian Bevington said: "This tournament is a fitting finale to the FA's 150-year celebrations.
"We have chosen these venues as they provide great facilities only an hour away from St George's Park, where the teams will be based.
"All four regions have drawn up programmes to promote the tournament and further support the development of the women's game locally.
"We have been really impressed with their plans. A final tournament is always a great spectacle and I would encourage supporters to come and enjoy the games."
The two finalists and the winner of the third-place play-off will qualify for the 2014 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica, from March 15 to April 5.
England women's under-17 coach Lois Fidler added: "Holding the finals in England provides our young stars with a real chance to shine.
"I'm confident the clubs and partners will attract lots of fans to see the games. This is a big stage for our players and they will embrace the opportunity."
The draw for the group phase will be streamed live on UEFA.com from Burton Town Hall at 2.30pm on Thursday 24 October.
England will await the six elite round group winners and the runners-up with the best record against the sides first and third in their group.
The elite round runs until Sunday 20 October.
