Women of the Match - the road to UEFA Women's Euro Final

A packed programme of free arts and heritage events kicks off this July, to celebrate the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 coming to Brent this summer.

Events range from a portrait exhibition showcasing Brent’s famous female football stars, to a holographic installation, an all-women dance party and an anthem performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

With Wembley set to host the final game of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Brent is part of a unique national art project that will run alongside the entire football tournament.

The North West London borough joins Hounslow in London as one of nine Host Cities that will run the programme. 

Matches begin on Wednesday 6 July and culminate with the final at Wembley on Sunday 31 July. 

Cllr Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Culture said:

"Arts and culture will enhance the tournament with more opportunities to get involved and celebrate women in football. I hope our residents will take part and enjoy the cultural programme and that it inspires everyone, especially women and young girls to become more active and participate in sport.”

Some of the exciting events taking place are…

Brent’s EURO 2022s Inspired programme 

Offside, Friday 17 June from 7.30pm at The Library at Willesden Green.

The play Offside explores the heroic struggle for women’s right to play football and the challenges still faced by female players today. Written by Sabrina Mahfouz and Hollie McNish and produced by Futures Theatre, this highly acclaimed show is now on tour to celebrate the season. It tells the story of four women from across the centuries who live, breathe and play football. Whilst each of them face very different obstacles, the possibility that the beautiful game will change their futures – and the world – is tantalisingly close. Offside is told through lyrical dialogue, poetry, and punchy prose, placing the audience on the touchline of the game of a lifetime.

Register your place 

Heritage Exhibits and Installations 

Women of the Match: Portraits of Brent’s female football stars

When: Saturday 18 June at Brent Civic Centre, during opening hours.

Women of the Match celebrates the achievements of women involved in football in the London Borough of Brent. The exhibition features photographic portraits of stars both on and off the pitch and showcases memorabilia. Catch football fever and be inspired by the women of Brent influencing the beautiful game.

One two, one two: Inspirational Stories from Brent’s Women of Football

When: Wednesday 6 to Saturday 30 July at Olympic Way, Wembley Park, accessible at all times.

Brent Museum and Archives (BMA) have worked with students from University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) to run an oral history gathering project to capture stories of women in football. Sit on historic seats from Wembley Stadium and listen to local football stars speak about their experiences in the sport. Taking a seat on Olympic Way, you can absorb the iconic view of Wembley Stadium, home of English football.

Outdoor Exhibition about the History of Women’s Football

When: Wednesday 6 July to Saturday 30 July at Olympic Way, Wembley Park, accessible at all times

The outdoor exhibition located in Wembley Park will consist of eight monoliths (large structures) that will focus on national and local history of women’s football. There will also be four drop-in family make and create sessions across Brent’s libraries in August.

Arts Programme 

Sounds and Stadiums: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Conversation

When: Saturday 16 July (6pm to 7pm) at Wembley Stadium.

Bringing together sport and music, this short panel event will explore synergies and similarities. Join leading experts from each field for a short panel and Q&A event, perfect for fans of football and culture. For ages 16+.

Brent Anthem – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Play Along

When: Saturday 23 July at Silver Jubilee Park and Jason Roberts Foundation, The Pavilion, Stonebridge Recreation Ground (Silver Jubilee Park 10:30am – 12:30 pm; Jason Roberts Foundation: 2pm-4pm)

Join musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to listen to, learn and join in with the brand new Brent Women’s EURO 2022 Anthem. No prior musical experience is required and all ages and abilities are welcome. Join in as singers, bring along an instrument, or simply come along and listen.

Stadium for the Future: (If I can't dance I don't want to be part of your revolution)

When: Friday 29 July at Jason Roberts Foundation, The Pavilion, Stonebridge Recreation Ground (6-9pm)

A dance with local community leaders, DJ’s and musicians will enable women to get together in great company and dance.

The Supercompensation Cycle

When: Saturday 30 July at Wembley Park (12 - 5pm) 

The Supercomensation Cycle is an immersive and participatory artwork that invites the public to warm-up for each match by replicating the movements of live performers. Inspired by historic footage of players warming up and sports theory, the work celebrates all bodies and how they move. Award-winning visual artist Emma Smith worked with local groups in each of the Host Cities to capture the moves of people in the community as well as some of their current and retired women footballers. These were woven together to create a holographic movement installation made up of 11 specially designed structures, placed in the shape of a football. The work will be accompanied by dancers from each local community who will lead the public in recreating the warm-up motions in a flash mob. 

The installation and dance performance will be the focus of the day, along with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and local musicians performing the 'Brent Host City Anthem' as we celebrate the arrival of the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 Championships.

The FA’s arts and heritage programme for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, thanks to National Lottery players, and the Host Cities. It is supported by The FA and UEFA, Canals & River Trust and Mayors of London and Greater Manchester.