England Women's U21 v France
Women's U21 International Friendly
7.30pm, Wednesday 22 November 2006
St James' Park, Exeter City FC
Group Booking Form - Click Here

The FA can today confirm that Exeter City’s St James’ Park will host its first ever international fixture on Wednesday 22 November, when England Women’s U21s take on France.

England’s Senior side qualified for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to a nail biting 1-1 draw away to France in Rennes last month, the first time in twelve years that The Three Lions have reached the finals.

The U21 game will therefore be the first opportunity for some of the most talented young players in the country to press their claims for a place on the plane to China next September.

U21’s Head Coach Brent Hills said: “The U21 side plays a crucial role in the development of players and over the next 12 months, those players can have no higher motivation.

“In the build-up to the 2005 European Championship, Alex Scott and Anita Asante effectively sealed their places in the senior squad after impressing at this level, and they are the benchmark for all the players in my squad for the game against France.”

Both squads will be expected to feature five over-age players, as well as some of the most talented young players either side of the Channel.

The French side will be no pushovers, with their youth team having reached the last two European U19 Championship finals, and their U20 side losing to eventual winners North Korea in the quarter finals of the FIFA World Championship, held in September.

For The Grecians who are currently seventh in the Conference National, the game caps a remarkable period which almost saw the club fold in 2003. Grecians Director of Sport, Julian Tagg is delighted for the club and the city.

"It is a rare honour as the South West plays host to very little international sport. That The FA has recognised our club has recovered from the traumas of recent years, to a point where we are considered fit and able to host an international, is proof indeed that we are on the right road for the future".

The Grecians Director feels that it is also an honour for the city itself and a tremendous boost for women's football in the area in general.

"We are looking to have the game promoted throughout schools and clubs in the whole of Devon and to showing off the city of Exeter as well as the club. We hope our fans are as proud of this honour as we are", added Tagg.

Kick-off is 7.30pm and tickets for the match are on sale now from the Exeter City FC ticket hotline on 01392 411 243. Tickets are priced at £2 for adults (£3 on the night) and £1 for concessions.

There are special discounts available for schools and football clubs, on application to Exeter City FC – group booking forms can be downloaded using the links above.