EUROPE'S top women footballers are heading for Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool FC is to be the venue for group matches in next year's UEFA European Women's Championships, Euro 2005 from June 5 to 19.

The Seasiders will play host to three Group A games in the competition, which will open with England's first match at the City of Manchester stadium on June 5.

Blackburn Rovers will also host two Group A games, while Preston and Warrington will host Group B and semi-final matches.

The draw for the finals will take place on Wednesday, January 19. World cup finalists, Sweden and Germany, are also set to feature in the 15 match tournament.

UEFA President, Lennart Johansson, said: "Staging the Women's EURO 2005 in England, where women's football is the top female sport is a great opportunity.

"I am sure that The FA and the North West region will deliver a highly professional event, promoting women's football as a skilful and competitive game and enhancing its popularity in the UK and across Europe."

Tickets for the event will go on sale shortly after the draw and organisers have pledged to keep prices affordable for families, with special discounts for all football clubs and schools.

The tournament will be televised live in more than 50 countries on Eurosport and a British terrestrial network is also set to provide coverage.

Tickets are going fast for tomorrow (Friday) night's under-16 international between England and Scotland. The televised match, part of the Victory Shield tournament, kicks off at 7.35pm and tickets are available on 0870 443 1953.

Former England under-21 stars, Peter Clarke and Rob Clare, joined manager, Colin Hendry, to rally support for the game this week.

"Running out in front of big crowd in the England shirt is the biggest thrill in football and both Peter and I took great pride in representing England at U21 level," said Clare, who also captained England's under-20s team: "We really hope Blackpool's football fans come down and cheer the lads on to victory and make this a game to remember."

Hendry added: "It's going to be a great occasion for Bloomfield Road and, hopefully, the Blackpool supporters will turn out in force to make it one to remember. England v Scotland is as big as it gets but I know which team I'll be rooting for!"