WEURO 2025 in St. Gallen: A host city gets ready

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is considered the most important women’s sports event in Europe. In 2025, Switzerland is the host country – and St. Gallen is one of eight host cities. Anticipation in the eastern Swiss city is running high. Especially with project manager Céline Bradke.

WEURO in St. Gallen: Focus on football

The highlight of the St. Gallen football celebration is, of course, the three top group games:

• July 4: Germany – Poland
• July 9: France – Wales
• July 13: England – Wales

But this major event lasts for a whole 11 days: From July 2-13 (with a break on Sunday, July 6). The focal point is located on Marktgasse, in the middle of the city center. Here in the Fan Zone there is a varied program every day from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. “You can look forward to exciting podium guests, live music by regional artists, and typical specialties from the host countries. And, of course, a lot of football fever!” promises Céline Bradke. “There will even be an artificial turf mini-pitch in the Fan Zone – sponsored by AXA.”

10-member event committee and 250 volunteers

Since November 2023, Céline Bradke and her team of 10 have been preparing to offer St. Gallen a unique fan experience. Bradke is one of two full-time employees. “The committee includes many city employees who carry out their duties for the Women’s Football European Championship as a sub-project.” In addition, around 250 volunteers are supporting St. Gallen – together with AXA as an official volunteer partner. Whether in the city center or in the stadium: Without this considerable volunteer commitment, WEURO would not be feasible. Around 2,500 volunteers will be deployed throughout Switzerland during the European Championships.

Women’s football is booming, but it’s not easy

With the women’s team of FC St. Gallen 1879, the city has an established top team in the AXA Women’s Super League. And FC Rapperswil-Jona Frauen also recently secured their place in their league. There is no shortage of up-and-coming talent: “Demand for young football talent is very high – and it continues to grow! New teams are being formed and supported with targeted measures,” says Bradke. The former top player hopes that the UEFA Women’s EURO will have a lasting positive impact on girls’ and women’s football. Despite steady progress in recent years, the following still holds true: Women’s football deserves more recognition – especially in Switzerland. For example, the hurdles to a professional career here are still high, which often drives talented players abroad.

Impact far beyond the EM 

That is why Bradke and the event committee are concerned with much more than ensuring security, mobility, and marketing for the WEURO. “The Women’s Football European Championship is intended to give more impetus to girls’ and women’s football in Switzerland. It must then be preserved in the best possible way – as a lasting legacy,” says Bradke. “In particular, we need dedicated trainers and referees as well as the right infrastructure so that women’s and girls’ football can continue to grow.” Studies show that a major sports event like the WEURO can advance the development of women’s football in the host country by almost a decade.

Investment in the region

The budget of the host city St. Gallen amounts to a total of CHF 2.8 million, which is borne jointly and equally by the City of St. Gallen and the Canton of St. Gallen. Bradke says: “The city and the canton are sending a clear signal: We promote women’s football and women’s sports.” Business and society would also benefit from the WEURO. Important partners include St. Gallen-Bodensee Tourism and the association for the promotion of the location (Standortförderung). “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the city and region as attractive tourist destinations.”

The City Council’s Vision 2030: St. Gallen is to become a sports and cultural city with national and international appeal. “In the long term, St. Gallen wants to position itself as a venue for major sports events,” explains Céline Bradke. “That’s why we’re very proud to host the 2025 European Women’s Football Championship.”