It’s been a long time coming but finally the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 are taking place.

As soon as I heard that Brighton & Hove would be hosting some matches I registered my interest and last year successfully obtained some tickets for two matches taking place at the American Express Community Stadium. I’ve been to quite a few football matches over the years but always wanted to go to an England match with my Dad (he is a huge football fan and always reminds us that he was at the 1966 World Cup) and last week we finally did just that – watching England vs Norway.

The stadium is easy to get to via public transport as it is next door to Falmer train station and the number 28, 29, 25 and 23 buses have stops within a five-minute walk of the stadium. However on this occassion we needed to take the car and so opted for the Park & Ride, we used Mill Road although another site is available at Brighton Racecourse. It was very straightforward with stewards directing you towards the parking points and buses continually picking up. As soon as we parked we were on a bus and off towards the stadium. There was a lot of traffic as we approached Falmer so do leave plenty of time for this final part of your journey.

On arrival we walked down to find our gate and entered the stadium using the mobile app (I’m not that great on apps but it was exceedingly easy!). Then it was up to the Upper Level to locate our seats and get ready for the game. We were early enough to see the teams come out and warm up and listen to the guest DJ. Gradually the stadium started to fill up and the atmosphere started to build.  Finally it was time for it to begin and the teams to come out and sing the National Anthem’s before kick off.

What a game! The crowd were behind England from the start and it was only 12 minutes in when a penalty was given with a huge roar erupting as Georgia Stanway scored. Then 3 minutes later another goal – the crowd were jumping. From there it just got better and better with 4 more goals scored during the first half. The noise in the stadium was deafening as the excitement rose. The second half started off a little quieter until the Mexican wave began around the crowd – 4 times it went around the stadium and then the Lionesses upped the excitement and scored 2 more goals with Beth Mead securing a hat-trick.  The crowd were besides themselves. A final score of 8-0 – history in the making. The biggest winning margin at a UEFA Women's EURO.

It was then time to leave the stadium and find the bus for our return journey. All very well signposted and lots of buses lined up ready for departure. With the sounds of ‘It’s coming home, football’s coming home’ ringing in our ears it was certainly a night to remember and one that I will never forget. I’ve finally watched an England match live with my Dad and experienced the euphoria that these events bring.

Congratulations to the Lionesses for making the quarter finals and I’m looking forward to next week when I return to the AMEX to cheer you on again in this match.

Come on England!

Nicola