Make city's World Cup dream come true!
Leicester's bid to bring the World Cup to the Walkers Stadium begins today – and YOU can help make it happen.
Public support will play a crucial role in the campaign to become a host city if England stages the 2018 World Cup.
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Actor Philip Oliver backs Leicester's bid
From today, you can cast your vote to help bring a World Cup game to Leicester.
Success would not only focus international attention on Leicester, but it would kick-start a giant boost for tourism, investment in the city and jobs.
Leicester City legend Alan Birchenall has been involved with the campaign from the start.
He said: "This city is ready to host something of the magnitude of a World Cup.
"Leicester is a multicultural city and the current regeneration programme is really putting us on the map."
The English FA, which is bidding to host the tournament, will have to choose 11 out of 15 cities which have applied to hold World Cup games.
Its officials will be looking to see how much support each city has before voting ends in November.
That means there are just six months for as many people as possible to Vote Leicester and get World Cup football at the Walkers.
Lee Hoos, chief executive of Leicester City FC, said: "It is important that everyone gives their support, not just to Leicester but England as well.
"For the community at large – the whole of Leicestershire not just the city – there is the kudos and pride of being a World Cup city.
"It has been said that the real winners of the World Cup are the host cities, not just the team that eventually wins the tournament, because of the economic benefits it brings."
Football fans told the Mercury they would love to see the World Cup come to Leicester.
Craig Hamnett, 33, of Rowley Fields, Leicester, said: "It would be massive to have a World Cup match played in Leicester."
Malcolm Chadwick, 53, of Anstey, added: "I can remember the 1966 World Cup being in England, but to have it in Leicester would be incredible. I'll be voting."
Leicester City Council leader Ross Willmott said: "If everyone who lives or works in Leicestershire could vote for our city, it would be a massive boost for our campaign.
"If England wins the right to stage the 2018 World Cup, we want to do everything we can to make sure that Leicester's involved."
Visit the England bid website and choose Leicester as your host city
23 Comments
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by Ken, Southport
Wednesday, July 22 2009, 12:32PM
“YES YES
Go for it”
by Andrew, City Of Leicester
Monday, June 15 2009, 2:52PM
“It Would be Awesome If The World Cup Came To This City! Although I Don't Agree With The Small Minded People Being Negative About This Great City”
by Stuart, Leicester
Monday, June 15 2009, 2:52PM
“I do believe that you said it was the cost of the overall bid that you were concerned about who would pay, CJ. If Milan Mandaric`s vision for city pans out then he will be pumping a lot more money into the club anyway despite the world cup bid. Would you rather see us lose out to Derby or Nottingham then? cos i know i wouldnt !”
by CJ, Leics
Monday, June 15 2009, 2:21PM
“Stuart, Leicester - I never said the tax payer! For Leicester , the chairman wil have to pump a lot into the groud etc. And i said about jobs etc if you read my comment before, I don't see how this is to be true! That is all. I am al for them being in England, not bothered if it's in Leicester tho”
by Stuart, Leicester
Monday, June 15 2009, 2:13PM
“Where do you get the idea from or facts for that matter that its going to cost the local tax payer "a small fortune" to stage a first round match CJ. Yes the city council will spend a few quid promoting it but the cost to city of staging the match are met by FIFA and the costs of any fan zones or giant screens will be met by the FA, just like they were when the euros were staged here in 96.”
by Money Man, Leices
Monday, June 15 2009, 2:02PM
“Lets all buy new cars and home, why not? Money isn't important right?”
by Chris, Great Glen
Monday, June 15 2009, 1:24PM
“Some people always put money first and have a initial negative outlook on everything. Fact of life.
However, I for one am all for it - it would be great to have a world cup game at the Walkers.
Can't see any downside.”
by Carl, Leicester
Monday, June 15 2009, 1:09PM
“Based on the attitude of some that we shouldn't bother as it will cost money means basically that World sporting events should be banned as they cost money. Yes it's only a game but it brings a lot of pleasure to alot of people all over the World.”
by CJ, Leics
Monday, June 15 2009, 12:29PM
“Edward, Leicester ¿ you still haven¿t answered my question(s)? I am noting saying i don¿t want it here, you miss understand/stood! I said it will cost a small fortune, yes? So therefore is it worth putting that amount in for one match? The game of which you say was just a friendly, in this case the ground will have to be bigger (added cost) etc, yes/no?”
by Edward, Leicester
Monday, June 15 2009, 12:09PM
“Thanks Bob from Wigston, CJ, etc - as usual such constructive input. What a depressing world you must live in constantly trying to find a negative spin on every story.
Seriously if all you can do is moan then the Daily Mail and the Beeb's Have Your Say has a thriving whinging community where you would be more than welcome.
One of the best matches I've seen at Walkers was a friendly between Jamaica vs. Brazil - fantastic atmosphere.”