Fans will get a chance to see the “stars of the future”, when the Women’s Under 23’s come to Doncaster next week for the first time.

The Young Lionesses will host Sweden at the Eco-Power Stadium, home of Club Doncaster, on Monday night. 

The club previously hosted the senior Lionesses team in 2021, where they played out a record-breaking 20-0 win against Latvia. 

This time round the Women’s Under 23’s will be aiming for a top two finish in Group B of this year’s WU23 European Competition, a group they top after three games.

Shaun Lockwood, Chief Commercial Officer at Club Doncaster, says the club is excited to host the events in South Yorkshire.

He said: “I think it’s an opportunity to enable grassroots teams and young fans to see their teams on their own doorstep. It’s great having national events at Wembley but when you can go to your local stadiums and see the stars of the future. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to support England.”

The match will see a familiar face return to the Eco-Power, Young Lionesses manager Emma Coates, who managed the Doncaster Belles from 2016-2017.

She said: “It’ll be a really special night to return to the club with the Young Lionesses.”

The club is known to have kick-started many of the current Lionesses’ early footballing careers, such as Chelsea’s Millie Bright, goalkeeper Mary Earps, and Barnsley-born Bethany England.

Mr Lockwood said: “It’s those kinds of stories that encourage young girls to know there are opportunities to progress and achieve their dreams.”

Due to the senior Lionesses’ increasing popularity following their historic Euros win in 2022 they’ve outgrown many small venues like Doncaster. 

However, Sarina Wiegman’s team will travel up to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane on Tuesday where they face Switzerland for their last international friendly match of the season.

Mr Lockwood hopes these events will generate more local interest in football, and is keen to grow the fanbase by engaging with communities. 

He said: “We work really closely with the FA and junior football teams to ensure prices are affordable so that groups can come to the game.”  

Club Doncaster have also visited local schools, offering free tickets to pupils, as well as capping adult ticket prices for the match at £5.

With the Lionesses playing the following day, it is hoped the Under 23’s match will be a good “warm up act” beforehand. 

The club is expecting a crowd of 3,500 for the game on Monday.