Football fever along the rivers and canals

World Cup fever is upon us and the country is buzzing with anticipation of what will happen in the famous tournament.

Taking a trip along a slow moving canal or river, it is hard to believe that nearby is an atmosphere in complete contrast to the tranquil waterway environment – the local football stadiums erupting with fans celebrating a winning goal, or groaning at the sight of a near miss.

You may have noticed some of the huge stadiums (and some not so huge) as you’ve cruised quietly along the canal. Take a look and see if you’ve passed any of these:

• The Walkers Stadium is home to Leicester City and was built on the banks of the River Soar in 2002. The area of Freemen’s Wharf was redeveloped for the stadium – along with major improvements to canal and riverside walks. The stadium makes the most of its waterway neighbour with the West Stand over looking the River Soar.

• Home to one of the world's biggest football clubs, Old Trafford is the place to watch Manchester United play and it stands close to the banks of Britain’s biggest waterway, the Manchester Ship Canal.

• Close by is the City of Manchester Stadium, home to Manchester City since 2003 and located on the banks of the Ashton Canal. The Commonwealth Games were held in the stadium in 2002.

• Nottingham Forest Football Club can be found on the banks of the River Trent. The ground, known as the City Stadium has been home to the team since 1898 and one end – the ‘Trent End’ was named after the mighty river by which it stands.

• Across the Trent stands Nottingham’s ‘other’ team, Nottingham County. Again, situated on the banks of the river, the club is recognised as the ‘oldest club in the world’. Although not the oldest waterway in the world, the Trent was an important cargo highway as far back as the Bronze Age.

• Located on the banks of the River Severn, Shrewsbury Town Football Club has had its home there since 1910. The river flows for a total of 220 miles and is famous for having its own tidal wave – the second highest tide anywhere in the world.

• Opened in 1999, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff has been home to many sporting events such as boxing, rugby and football plus a host of music stars from Tina Turner to the Manic Street Preachers. The location of the stadium, on the banks of the River Taff mean that sporting fans can take a walk along the river to calm their nerves before a big game.

• Located on the banks of the majestic River Thames, Craven Cottage has been home to Fulham Football Club for 109 years. The stadium is popular with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race as it overlooks the famous ‘Fulham bend’.