European football comes to Bristol

27 September 2011

European football comes to Bristol

Champions League football comes to Bristol for the first time ever this Thursday, 29th September, as Bristol Academy WFC start their European campaign against Russian side, FC Energiya Voronezh.

The Club has had an unbelievable year. It is less than 12 months since Filton College’s Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club were selected to become one of eight WFA Super League teams. Since that time, the Club has made it through to the WFA Cup Final versus Arsenal, thereby qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and finished fifth in the league.

Bristol Academy’s opponents, FC Energiya Voronezh, play in the Russian Women’s Premier League. The Club finished second in the league last season to gain qualification for the Champions League. Voronezh is the most successful women’s team in Russia, having five League titles to their name. In 2003/2004 they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League where they lost both legs 2 – 1 to the eventual winners Umea IK.

BAWFC Secretary, Roger Brinsford comments: “We are delighted that Bristol City FC has given BAWFC the opportunity to play at their Ashton Gate Stadium in this prestigious fixture. It should give many of the followers of women’s football throughout the whole of the West and South West of England their first chance to see such top-flight action right in the heart of Bristol.”

BAWFC, Head Coach, Mark Sampson comments: “Ever since we won the FA Women's Cup semi final we have been looking forward to the opportunity to compete on Europe’s greatest stage and now it is very close there is a real excitement and anticipation around the place for the game.

“Everyone is standing up to be counted for the good of the Club. As challenging as this period has been, it has just shown us no matter how tough the test, with a strong togetherness and work ethic, anything can be achieved.

“We are ready to make sure we give it our very best shot to create another piece of history for our club.”

Tickets for the game are still on sale. Click here to buy online. Car Parking will be available in the Winterstoke Road Car Park which you can pay on the gate at £2 per car.

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