By Emily Goddard
June 8 – Eight of Europe’s strongest nations will compete in Denmark for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2011 – the biggest sports event on Danish soil so far.
Belarus, Iceland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Spain, England and Denmark will participate in the tournament, which is expected to attract over 4,000 foreign spectators, in four Danish cities – Aarhus, Viborg, Aalborg and Herning.
Christian Bordinggaard, Tournament Director of the Championships, said: “We are proud to host the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which is the largest UEFA event in 2011.
“The four Danish cities are all ready to take on the challenge of hosting this great football event, strongly supported by Sport Event Denmark and the Danish Football Association (DBU).”
The host cities have established dedicated fan zones where the matches can be watched and where entertainment will be provided during the two weeks of the tournament.
In addition to the fan and spectator activities, the competition also forms a platform for other initiatives, such as a football conference staged at the University of Aarhus and a number of football events that will be held throughout the country.
The tournament kicks off on Saturday when Denmark face Switzerland and Belarus take on Iceland in Group A.
The following day, Group B gets under way with games involving 2009 beaten finalists England, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Spain.
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