England to host U17 football European Championships in 2018

The Football Association (FA) has been awarded the rights to host the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

While exact dates and match venues are to be confirmed, the FA plans to play the tournament across the Midlands, with St. George’s Park acting as the central point for the competition.

A number of London 2012 training venues – such as Loughborough and Warwick Universities – will also be used as training bases for the 16 elite nations taking part.

Awarding the tournament to the FA is the latest sign of the strong ties the association has formed with the European governing body UEFA.

Last year, UEFA awarded the semi-finals and the final of the Euro 2020 competition to the FA, which will result in Wembley hosting a week-long conclusion to the showpiece event.

The FA also hosted the 2013 UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship and the 2011 and 2013 UEFA Champions League Finals.

England won the U17 championship last year (2014) and also secured the title in 2010.