The MP for Bristol South Dawn Primarolo pounced on a timely moment to promote the city's 2018 World Cup bid when she rubbed shoulders with Sir Trevor Brooking at Wembley.

Ms Primarolo has already publicly backed Bristol's ambition to become a host city and represent the West in England's bid to stage the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

This week she helped to launch a partnership between the Football Association and Government-backed youth organisation Myplace alongside former West Ham and England stalwart Brooking and five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave.

And she took the chance to spread the word of Bristol's potential.

"Of course, Sir Steve and Sir Trevor have to stay impartial," said Ms Primarolo, "but I wanted to let them know how much we've got to offer here in Bristol.

"Bristol's a sporting city, hosting two professional football teams, as well as professional rugby and cricket teams. Many thousands of Bristolians play organised, grass-roots sport every week and we are experienced at hosting highly successful events like the Half Marathon, Balloon Fiesta and Harbour Festival.

"Now is the time to show that little bit of extra ambition, and prove that Bristol can host one of the world's biggest sporting events."

Brooking, the FA's director of football development, is sure to be working with children's minister Ms Primarolo on numerous occasions as the country approaches the 2012 Olympics and the 2018 World Cup bid builds momentum.

And any such opportunity to filter news of Bristol's merits into FA HQ can do no harm as the city jostles with 14 other candidates to attain host city status in England's bid to Fifa.

The England 2018 team will make its decision in December after a second visit to each city in September and receipt of final bid documents from each contender in November.

"The World Cup would be a fantastic event for our city," added Ms Primarolo.

"I was fortunate enough to be taken to the World Cup final by my dad in 1966. Memories like that last a lifetime. Of course, the excitement during the tournament would be incredible, but the investment in our city, added to the sporting legacy it would create, make this bid so important. I would urge all Bristolians to back the bid."

The Myplace programme offers expert advice to new youth centres and, by linking up with the FA, hopes to maximise the use of football facilities in Myplace centres.

The Myplace fund has seen 62 projects receive a slice of £240m.

The remaining £31.6m of the fund is open to bids from the most deprived communities in England.