Mark Sampson to face fans' questions on his Bristol return

Friday 28 Aug 2015
Sampson will be taking fans' questions ahead of Bristol Academy's game with Birmingham City
England Women head coach Mark Sampson will return to his former club Bristol Academy next weekend as they face Birmingham City in a crunch FA Women’s Super League fixture.

Sampson, who managed Bristol Academy between 2009-2013 before taking on his current role, will be a special guest at a Lionesses-themed event ahead of the crucial match on Saturday 5 September.

And supporters will get the chance to pose questions to Sampson when he takes part in a Q&A ahead of the game at the SGS College, next to the Stoke Gifford Stadium, from 5pm.  

Mark Sampson

Mark Sampson left his role as boss of Bristol Academy in 2013 to take over as England head coach

Fans who have bought advance tickets for the game will be able pose questions to Sampson about his career, the World Cup, his time at Bristol and coaching tips.

In November, Sampson will bring his England team to Bristol when they take on Bosnia & Herzegovina at Ashton Gate as part of their EURO 2017 qualifying campaign. It is England’s first home match since their successful World Cup in Canada, where they finished third.

Both Bristol and Birmingham will be looking to secure vital points and avoid relegation from FA WSL 1. Only two points separate the teams, with Bristol Academy bottom on five points and the Blues a place above them on seven with three games to go.

During half time, younger supporters will also get the chance to win a player mascot place for the Bosnia game. Two children, aged between 7 and 11, will win the chance to lead the teams out hand-in-hand with the captains.

Sampson said: "I’m excited to be going back to Bristol and it will be great to meet some of the fans who supported us in Canada this summer. 

"It was a great and memorable tournament for all of us, but now we want to focus on the future and we’re looking forward to what will be a big game at Ashton Gate."

To secure your place at the Q&A, please email your ticket reference number for Bristol Academy v Birmingham City or season ticket number, along with your questions for Mark Sampson, to tickets@bristolacademywfc.co.uk. Closing date to book your seats is midday on Friday 4 September.

Tickets for Bristol Academy v Birmingham City can be bought here and details about the mascot competition can be found here.

Tickets for England v Bosnia & Herzegovina are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.  A family ticket (two adults and two children) is available at £10 and group booking discounts apply. Tickets are available via tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk or 01179 630 600.

By FA Staff