By Jon Colman

Last updated at 12:09, Wednesday, 14 October 2009

Carlisle could be in line to play host to some of the world’s greatest footballers if England is chosen to host the 2018 World Cup.

Carlisle's Graham Kavanagh with a Sunderland shirt

Carlisle United’s Brunton Park stadium is set to be used as a training base if England get the nod for the finals in nine years’ time.

Premier League club Sunderland, who are bidding to be one of the match venues in 2018, have linked up with United as part of their own campaign to host some of the top international action.

The north-east club want Carlisle to provide a ‘satellite training camp’, which could see players from one of 32 countries being based in Carlisle during the tournament – along with thousands of their fans. That could provide a major boost to the local economy whilst putting Carlisle at the heart of the biggest tournament in football.

The leader of Sunderland's bid has already been to United’s stadium to meet club officials and city council leaders to discuss the criteria they will be seeking for Carlisle to be involved as a training camp.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn, a former Republic of Ireland international team-mate of Carlisle players Graham Kavanagh and Ian Harte, praised United for their involvement.

“I’m delighted that Carlisle United have given their support to the bid,” Quinn said. “Bringing World Cup football to England – and specifically to our region – will provide a lasting legacy that everyone will benefit from.”

City council leader Mike Mitchelson was joined by chief executive Maggie Mooney and Carlisle Renaissance director Ian McNichol at the talks last week. Other than the use of Brunton Park, Carlisle reportedly impressed Sunderland’s bid team with the availability of an adjoining training pitch with restricted access, along with facilities nearby at the Sheepmount.

Locations such as Carlisle Castle, Bitts Park and the city centre could also host giant screens for live TV coverage of World Cup matches for fans.

In order to host a World Cup training venue, Carlisle would need an airport facility capable of landing a 100-seat aircraft, and a four-star hotel by 2018.

United’s captain Paul Thirlwell said: “It would be great for Carlisle to play its part in staging the world’s greatest sporting event and I’m sure Carlisle fans and everyone in the region would really get behind it.”

Sunderland is one of 16 cities in England bidding to host matches in 2018. The successful cities will be announced on December 14 this year. FIFA’s decision on which country will host the World Cup will come 12 months later.

First published at 11:34, Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk