Multi-cultural nature could be Derby's strength in World Cup bid

Derby has unveiled its bid to be a host city if England wins the right to stage the football World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Today, Caroline Jones explores how the multi-cultural nature of the city could strengthen its case.

"AS A nation we are proud of our great cultural diversity – we will offer a warm home-from-home welcome to all the participating teams and their supporters."

With these words, the Football Association president, Prince William, launched England's bid for the 2018 or 2022 football World Cup.

Every four years the global tournament takes centre stage, as people from 200 nations turn on their TVs to watch.

Cities that stage matches can expect 200,000 football fans to flock to their stadiums, hotels and restaurants.

The ability to cater for such a wide range of people is a must for any host city hopeful – and, according to Derby's community and cultural associations, theirs would be more than capable.

Of the 198 nations set to tune into the event in nine years, 182 are already represented in Derby.

People from Bahrain, Ghana, Vietnam, Poland, Bulgaria, Mexico, Iceland, Ecuador, the Solomon Islands, Rwanda and Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean, have all made their homes in the city.

It has fluent speakers of more than 70 languages, including Chinese, Arabic and Bengali.

Ferid Kevric, of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Association, said it was this positive, multi-cultural attitude which would make Derby great World Cup hosts.

He said: "It would be really great to see the World Cup come to Derby, because teams coming from all over the world would find someone to relate to.

"Derby has been our city and our home for 15 years now, and it has made us feel so welcome, so it's obvious that visitors would feel the same too.

"And, on the other side, it would be great to put Derby on an international stage, to attract more people to come and visit here, so we hope it gets lots of support.

"The majority of our association will definitely be supporters during the competition.

"It is natural we want to support Derby too."

Derby is one of 16 cities competing for the right to stage World Cup matches.

But the Football Association, which is compiling England's own bid to host the tournament, is only looking for 12 suitable venues.

The decision on which cities will be included in England's campaign will be made in December, before the FA presents its case to football's world governing body, FIFA.

Last week the FA paid its second visit to Derby to assess; the previous inspection took place in July.

Farhad Neghipooran, director of the Persian Cultural Association, said his whole group would be looking forward to the World Cup if it came to Derby.

He said: "It is all about diverse nationalities coming together and Derby is all about bringing people together, so it's a perfect match.

"The area is very beautiful and has all kinds of good people, from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

"Bringing the tournament to the city would allow Derby to extend its hand of friendship to the world and would allow visitors to get to know the city.

"I'm a fan of the England football team, because I feel accepted in this country, which is an honour and privilege, and I feel like I know the players very well."

Jenny Stretton, bar manager at the Derby Irish Association, said having a vast representation of different cultures was a key to Derby's bid.

She said: "Whether people from Asia, India, Poland, or even Ireland, come to Derby, they'll find someone of their own culture and it can make people feel more welcome.

"It's a great idea to bring the World Cup to Derby, and its people will get behind such a big event.

"We're big Republic of Ireland supporters here, so there's not much in the way of split loyalties – but we'd probably back England if they got knocked out."

Derby's bid team is made up of representatives from Derby County, the city and county councils, Marketing Derby and the University of Derby, among others.

They have already submitted a preliminary tournament bid to the FA, in the form of a 230-page document.

The final bid will be submitted in November.

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