Winterton Rangers could host World Cup stars

WINTERTON Rangers FC could be a training ground for international footballers at the 2018 World Cup.

Hull is bidding to be a host city in England's bid, with FIFA, football's governing body, set to make the final call in December 2010.

Campaigners in Hull will find out if they have been successful with their bid next month.

Winterton's club chairman Dave Crowder said hosting international players would be a huge honour for the Northern Counties East Premier Division side.

He said: "I think it's justification for all of the hard work we have put in. We started the renovation in 2003.

"If it all goes through we will have international players here - it would be amazing to see Brazil here. It's lifted us all bit to be fair.

"When we started the renovation, it was about securing the long term future, building in longevity and quality.

"But we would never in a million years have believed we would have something like this."

Mr Crowder said long serving committee member Alf Smith, who currently is the club's treasurer, was especially delighted at the prospect of seeing some of the world's best players at the club.

Mark Blackbourne, project leader for Hull 2018, said: "As part of the Hull bid they would need a team base within 30 minutes of the city and Forest Pines is the premier hotel within the Hull catchment area.

"Public training would take place at Winterton Rangers."

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