Birmingham has been officially named a host city for the UEFA Euro 2028 football tournament, an event projected to deliver a massive £117 million economic impact and a crucial morale boost for a city that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
A Welcome Boost After Difficult Times
The announcement, celebrated with a launch event at the Library of Birmingham, comes at a pivotal time. The city has been rocked by a financial crisis within the Labour-run council and prolonged bin worker strikes, which have dominated headlines. Councillor Mariam Khan, the cabinet member for health, stated that hosting four matches at Villa Park will provide Brummies with a reason to be proud again.
"It helps the people of Birmingham have that boost of morale and give us a reason to be proud of the city," she said. "We're expecting to have around £117m of economic impact coming into the city, whether that's through jobs, skills or growth that benefits local businesses."
Ensuring Benefits Reach Everyone
A key focus for the council and local organisations is ensuring that the tournament's benefits are felt city-wide, particularly in more deprived areas. Coun Khan emphasised that a large community programme will be developed for Euro 2028, with local stakeholders and residents guiding where the investments should go.
"Making sure our deprived areas don't get left behind is absolutely critical to that," she affirmed. "This tournament is for everybody." This sentiment was echoed by Guy Rippon, Head of Foundation and Community at Aston Villa Foundation, who highlighted that the area around Villa Park has some of the highest inequalities in the country, and the incoming footfall and investment will be fantastic for the local community.
Building a Lasting Legacy
The event is seen as more than just a summer of football. Labour council leader John Cotton stated it is "about creating lasting benefits for our city way beyond the pitch." This includes the proposed expansion of the North Stand at Villa Park, which is planned ahead of the tournament.
Luke Bowles, head of football development at Birmingham County Football Association, also expressed a desire to channel some of the significant investment into grassroots football, with a key focus on providing opportunities for lower socio-economic groups. As the eyes of Europe and the world turn to Birmingham in 2028, the city aims to showcase its brilliance and secure a positive, enduring legacy for all its residents.
