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Houston 2026 and British Consulate-General host EPL Watch Party

Mar 29, 2022

Houston youth show support for international soccer as they cheer on Manchester United and Watford

HOUSTON (February 28, 2022) – The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee and the British Consulate-General in Houston this weekend hosted an English Premier League (EPL) Watch Party at Houston Sports Park.

Over 300 local youth from the Houston Independent School District (HISD), the Boys & Girls Club, and reVision Houston came out to play on the four soccer fields at the park and watch the EPL match between Manchester United and Watford. The event showcased Houston’s love of soccer and the popularity of the EPL and international soccer in the city.

Saturday’s family-friendly watch party featured an appearance from former USA and Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching, who met with attendees and signed autographs. Local youth took part in fun and engaging activities at the park, including five-a-side soccer matches, and were provided opportunities to win awards and prizes.

Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee President Chris Canetti and British Consul General Richard Hyde were among the speakers and highlighted the city’s continued efforts to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Houston, as well as other city-wide Grow the Game initiatives.

Canetti said: “Houston’s passion for soccer was on full display today. The EPL watch party showcased the incredible Spirit of Houston and our city’s readiness to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’re very grateful to the British Consulate-General for their support in putting this event together. There is clearly a huge appetite for international soccer here in Houston and we hope this is the first of many watch parties we are a part of.”

Hyde said: “Soccer truly is a universal language and it was fantastic to see the love for the game amongst the kids who came out today. We are proud to promote the English Premier League, but most of the kids I spoke to today already know more than me! There

is a huge amount of passion for soccer in Houston and the city would be such a worthy and fantastic host for the World Cup in 2026.”

About the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee

The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee is leading the South Texas region’s efforts to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™. It is a subsidiary of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be played in 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Houston is among 17 cities vying to become a U.S. host city. A final decision is expected in the first half of 2022.

About the British Consulate-General Houston

The British Consulate-General in Houston maintains and develops relations between the UK and the USA, with responsibility for the states of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

 

Media Contacts US: Lala Ismailova / Lala@jtapacific.sport / +1 323 246 1110 International: Nick Dawes / nick@jta.sport / +44 7557 435851

British Consulate-General Houston: Elizabeth Ballentine Bertram / elizabeth.ballentine@fco.gov.uk / +1 832 248-2138

Website: Houston2026.sport Twitter: @Hou2026WorldCup; @UKinTX LinkedIn: Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee Facebook: Houston 2026 World Cup Instagram: @Houston2026WorldCup; @ukintx

#SpiritofHouston #Houston2026