International football is returning to Bootham Crescent this month with two UEFA Under-19s women's qualifying matches scheduled for September 28.

York City has once again been chosen to fly the flag for the region with not one, but two internationals hosted that day.

Wales play Romania at 2pm before England take on Bulgaria at 7pm with the country's most talented young women players on show.

It will be the second time in months that City has been called upon to host a youth international, with England's U18 boys running out at the Crescent against Sweden in April.

York City communications director Sophie McGill said: "York City FC is proud to be hosting the tournament. This is a prestigious sporting event and a chance for the people of York to see the women's stars of the future.

"We are delighted to be working with the Football Association to ensure the tournament is a great success."

The squad are coached by England legend Hope Powell and Mo Marley - another former national team captain - and is the first step for many of the country's future stars.

Powell said: "The current crop of U19 internationals have played in two friendlies recently against Sweden and Finland and have shown they can perform well in Europe this season.

"We are hoping local football fans and players will turn out to cheer the team on to victory.

"Some of the players may go on to play for the senior squad at the highest level and this tournament will play a key part in their development."

The tournament is the first qualification hurdle for the annual European eight-team finals with teams needing to finish top of their preliminary groups to even make the second stage.

If they make it through the next round, they could find themselves in Hungary in July competing for the title. A good start at York backed by the fans will be vital to their campaign.

Tickets are already on sale from Bootham Crescent for the two matches there, priced at £1 each for adults and concessions.

The tournament will continue on September 30 at Halifax Town, where Wales take on Bulgaria at 2pm followed by England v Romania at 7pm.

The climax will come on October 2 at South Leeds Stadium when England go head to head with rivals Wales at 2pm. The Romania v Bulgaria venue is yet to be arranged.

Updated: 09:33 Wednesday, September 15, 2004