Umeå fans to take to the air

By Jan Juhlin

Match moved
The Swedish club cannot stage the 8 May match at their Gammliavallen stadium because fellow finalists 1. FFC Frankfurt were not keen to play such a prestigious encounter on artificial turf. Instead, the defending champions will play host to their German rivals at the Råsunda stadium in Stockholm.

SvFF backing
However, the Swedish capital is 700km from Umeå leaving fans a difficult journey to cheer on their favourites. However, with the support of the Swedish Football Association and sponsors, Umeå have come up with a travel package that includes plane travel, bus transfers and discounted hotel prices. For just €100, fans will also get Umeå merchandise, tickets to the game and a place in a special Umeå stand at Råsunda.

Strong support
"We wanted to help our fans and give as many of them as possible a chance to go to Stockholm to support us," said Umeå director of football Ronald Arnqvist. "This has been made possible by excellent help from a number of sponsors."

Good response
More than 2,200 loyal followers have already signed up for the scheme and thousands more are expected to follow, ensuring Umeå will not be short of support in the capital. The return will be played in Germany on 5 June.