Norman Whiteside urges public to pledge support for Manchester’s World Cup host city bid

Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland International, Norman Whiteside, has urged people to support Manchester's bid to be a host city in an England 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Norman, who holds the world record as the youngest player to appear in a World Cup match at the age of 17 years and 41 days, pledged his support during a penalty shoot-out between schoolchildren at the Cliff Training Ground this morning in Lower Broughton.

He also encouraged the children, who will celebrate their 17th birthdays in the summer of 2018, not only to support Manchester's bid but to aspire to beat his long-standing world record.

Norman Whiteside said: "Drawing from my experience, I'm certain that Manchester would be the perfect host city for a World Cup. It has the right infrastructure to cope with this kind of event. There are two great stadiums including the exceptional Old Trafford and City of Manchester Stadium.

"England 2018 offers a great chance to build on Manchester's great sports legacy. The people in Manchester are really passionate about the game and would give a warm welcome to visiting teams. I encourage them to get behind the bid so that the city doesn't miss out."

Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure at Manchester City Council, said: "An England 2018 World Cup would bring an estimated £80million of economic benefit to Manchester. The city is already in a great position to host World Cup football but we can't afford to sit back.

"Norman Whiteside has pledged his own support for Manchester today and he's a great ambassador for the city's bid. There's every chance that somebody might beat his longstanding record during an upcoming World Cup and we would love that to happen right here in Manchester in 2018. The only way we will have the chance is if people back the bid."

Manchester United Foundation, the community arm of Manchester United, which provides grassroots football opportunities for local children, organised the shoot-out as part of Manchester United's support for Manchester's host city bid.

For more information and to pledge your own support, visit: www.manchesterworldsport.com

To see a video of today's event, please got to www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qpv3lx8YhI If you would like a copy of the video to upload to your website, please get in touch with Pete Wrathmell, Daniel Kennedy or Gary Ellison at SKVTV on 0161 838 7770