FOOTBALL is coming home again with the future stars of European football heading for Bootham Crescent, writes Dave Stanford.

The Football Association has confirmed York City's ground has been chosen as one of the venues for this spring's UEFA European Under-16 tournament.

The prestigious three-week tournament, which begins on April 22, will be the biggest international football tournament to be held in England since Euro 96.

City will host three games including two group games on April 25 and 27 and a quarter-final match on April 30.

Club secretary Keith Usher said: "York City is honoured to have been chosen as one of the club's to host this spring's UEFA European Under-16s championships.

"The club itself is committed to the development of young talent and we are delighted to be involved in this prestigious competition where Europe's finest young players will be on display."

City's commitment to youth was underlined today when it was revealed Chris Hogg has been included in the England Under-15 squad for a six-match international tournament that kicks off next week.

Hogg, a member of the City under-16 squad and now a regular in the Minstermen's intermediates, will be pitting his skills against Spain, Holland and Germany.

The European Under-16 Championships, an annual tournament, has been graced by some of Europe's top stars.

Current England regulars Michael Owen, Sol Campbell and Steven Gerrard have all featured, as have international stars such as Francesco Totti and Patrick Kluivert.

As well as Bootham Crescent, other grounds being used include Barnsley, Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Hull, Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Scunthorpe, Sheffield United and South Leeds.

The final will be at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on May 6.

Eght of the 16 qualifiers are known. They are Croatia, Finland, Holland, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Spain and England.

Bootham Crescent is no stranger to hosting England youth internationals.

Last summer, it staged games between England and Thailand and Thailand v Brazil as part of a triangular Under-16 tournament.

The England under-15 tournament involving Hogg kicks-off on Friday, February 9, at Rushden and Diamonds when Germany will play Holland followed by England against Spain.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, February 01, 2001