Taylor expects summer to remember

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Sweden next summer will give UEFA the opportunity to promote the various messages which underpin its Respect campaign.

Stars of tomorrow
In his address at the draw ceremony for the eight-team finals in Gothenburg on Wednesday, UEFA General Secretary David Taylor said he was looking forward to a football festival featuring the stars of tomorrow: "Thanks to the organisers - the Swedish Football Association, with help from UEFA and our many partners - the final tournament offers much more than top European football. Spectators will enjoy great entertainment both inside and outside the stadiums.

Respect message
"Moreover, UEFA intends to use this festival of football to convey the important message of respect to all football fans," he added. "Respect for the game, respect for diversity and respect for the environment." Mr Taylor then announced UEFA's partnership with the International League against Epilepsy, saying: "As a result of this partnership, many activities will be developed both before and during the tournament. For example, the two semi-finals will be opened by curtain-raiser matches to underline that football is open to all abilities."

'Great football summer'
The UEFA General Secretary also emphasised that next June's tournament would be "UEFA's most important men's national team competition in 2009", adding: "Together with UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009 in Finland, we are all looking forward to a great football summer in Scandinavia. I conclude with my best wishes to all the teams, the Swedish FA and the host cities."