City backing 2018 World Cup bid

Hillsborough Stadium could be used as a venue if the bid is successful

A football match and other events are being held in Sheffield as part of the city's bid to be chosen as a possible host for the 2018 World Cup.

The city is one of 15 across England hoping to be selected and is holding a Back the Bid Day.

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United players will be taking part in a five-a-side match lasting 20 minutes and 18 seconds.

Other activities include a procession by the England Supporters Band.

Sheffield will find out in December if it is a candidate city.

Both teams have submitted plans for their stadiums to be used as venues if the bid is successful. Only one will be chosen if England wins the 2018 bid.

'Unified bid'

A decision on which country will host the event will be made in December 2010.

The mascots of both Sheffield football teams, Ozzy Owl and Captain Blade, will also be at the football match at Devonshire Green on Friday.

Sheffield City Council leader Paul Scriven said: "Back the Bid Day offers the people of Sheffield an opportunity to pledge their support for the city's bid and help Sheffield to be a front-runner in this competition."

The city's bid director Wayne Coyle added: "The football match represents Sheffield's unified bid."

A delegation from the Football Association visited Sheffield earlier this year to assess its suitability as a possible host city.

England faces rival bids from Australia, the United States, Qatar, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea.

Joint bids from Spain and Portugal and the Netherlands and Belgium and one from Russia have also come from Europe.