Glasgow's reputation as a major football event venue was further enhanced today with the announcement that the city will host the 2010 Cerebral Palsy (CP) European Football Championships.

The event will be held at the new Regional Football Centre at Toryglen and will feature teams from 10 European Countries including Russia, Ukraine and the Auld Enemy England.

The event is organised each year by the World Governing Body Cerebral Palsy International and Recreation Association (CPISRA).

Speaking about the announcement today, Glasgow Lord Provost Robert Winter said: “Glasgow has a wonderful reputation for hosting major events. In recent years we have hosted the Champions League Final, The UEFA Cup Final and, of course, we are all looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

“The CP European Championships will be another great event hosted by our great city. I am sure that the players who come from across Europe to Glasgow next year will take part in a successful tournament, but also take away with them many great memories of being in Scotland.

“I would like to thank the governing body CPISRA for having the confidence to award us this event. I can assure you that Team Glasgow will make sure that it is an unforgettable experience for all concerned.”

Scottish FA Chief Executive Gordon Smith said: “We are all delighted that we have been awarded this tournament. It is an endorsement of our growing reputation in CP Football, but also recognition of Glasgow’s excellence in hosting football events.

“The Scottish team made it to the World Championships last year and recently were unbeaten in an international tournament against some of the world’s best teams. I’m sure that having home advantage will spur them on to hopefully become European Champions.

“My thanks go to CPISRA for awarding us the event. I have no doubt that with the Scottish crowd behind it, our championships will be the best ever.”

Alan Dickson of CPISRA said: “We are delighted that Glasgow will be hosting the European Championships next year. Right from the start of the bidding process it was clear that everyone in the city – and in the national sports agencies – were absolutely committed to putting on a first class event.

“The first ever CPISRA event was held in Scotland in 1978 so, in some ways, these championships mark a Homecoming for CP Football.

“I have no doubt that by selecting Glasgow we have made an excellent choice.”

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "We are delighted to have played our part in bidding to bring this event to Glasgow in 2010. The Championships will allow the city to demonstrate, yet again, its capacity for hosting international sporting occasions and we look forward to working with all our partners to ensure a successful competition."

Published 02/11/2009