Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 9th, 2026
•The England Women’s Under-23 team, known as the Young Lionesses, is set to kick off their 2026/27 season in style with an exciting match against Norway at the LNER Community Stadium in York on Monday, 12 October at 19:30 BST. This match not only marks the beginning of their campaign but also the defence of their U23 European Competition title, which they won impressively with a 3-0 victory over Sweden in April.
Exciting Match Ahead
Fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter as the Young Lionesses take on Norway, one of the teams that will challenge England in Group B of the tournament. This group also includes Belgium, Portugal, and Italy, making for a competitive season ahead. Tickets for the match are affordably priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions, and just £1 for under-16s, making it accessible for families and young fans eager to support their national team. Tickets can be purchased directly from the stadium's website.
Lydia Bedford's Leadership
Leading the Young Lionesses this season is Lydia Bedford, who was appointed head coach in March. Bedford is currently managing the team at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland and is enthusiastic about the upcoming season. “I’m really excited to get the staff and players together for the new season,” she stated. “It’s going to be an important year for the WU23s, particularly with a senior World Cup on the horizon, and we want to keep pushing the players and helping them take the next steps in their development.”
Importance of the U23 Competition
The U23 European Competition was introduced to help bridge the gap between youth and senior international football. This is the fourth season for the WU23s in this competition, and it plays a crucial role in nurturing young talent and preparing them for future senior roles. As the Young Lionesses aim to defend their title, the match against Norway will be a significant test for the team.
Community Engagement
This event is not just about football; it’s also an opportunity for the community to come together and support local talent. The match is being promoted as a “really accessible, friendly community event,” encouraging fans of all ages to come out and cheer for the Young Lionesses. The presence of local supporters can create an electrifying atmosphere, which is essential for the players as they step onto the pitch.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in attending, tickets are available online, and with prices set to encourage young fans, it’s a perfect chance for families to enjoy an evening of high-quality football. The LNER Community Stadium provides a great venue for such events, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the match in a comfortable and exciting environment. Here’s a quick summary of the event details:
Match: England U23 vs. Norway U23
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
Time: 19:30 BST
Location: LNER Community Stadium, York
Ticket Prices: £5 adults, £3 concessions, £1 under-16s
"We’re looking forward to playing in York"
As the Young Lionesses prepare for this important match, the excitement is palpable.
Lydia Bedford expressed her pride in the team's achievements from last season and acknowledged the challenges ahead:
“We know it won’t be easy and Norway will provide a difficult test to start the campaign. We’re looking forward to playing in York and I hope we see lots of England fans there to get behind the team.”
With the community’s support and the talent of the Young Lionesses, this match promises to be a highlight for both local fans and the players. Mark the calendar and get ready to cheer on the Young Lionesses as they begin their quest to defend their title and showcase the future of women’s football in England.
