FURD
Legends, fans and future sporting stars all got their kicks at Sheffield United’s annual Blades’ Community Day.
More than 3,000 fans flocked to Bramall Lane last weekend to enjoy mini football tournaments, boxing demonstrations from Sheffield City Amateur Boxing Club, face painting, drumming workshops from Musical Works, a bouncy castle, Streetkick, a dance performance and workshop and entertainment from Sound Kickers.
Sheffield United’s community division, The United Initiative, hosted the fun day in association with Football Unites Racism Divides (FURD). Some of the activities were also supported by the King Baudouin Foundation through their Stand Up Speak Up fund, which seeks to promote equality and diversity. Sheffield Hallam University Students Jonah Gosling and Jenny Pead also helped organise the event as part of a work placement.
Sue Beeley, head of community at Sheffield United, said:
“The community day was a huge success with a range of activities for different age groups inspiring youngsters to get fit and active. The young football fanatics really enjoyed playing at Bramall Lane and it was an ideal opportunity to give up and coming talent a chance to perform. Thanks must be given to the many volunteers from FURD, Sheffield Hallam University and Kickz who make the day possible.”
Bramall Lane’s pitch was brought to life with various football tournaments. The under-11 girl’s competition was won by Sharrow. The under-11 boys competition winners were Mundella and Westfield won the under-13s category by one goal over rivals Kickz Sharrow. The under-15s boys winners were FURD. All the winners were presented with prizes from legend Tony Currie.
A range of local organisations, such as Ship Shape, South Yorkshire Police, FURD, Urban Mixtures, and The Corner pitched stalls at the event and Asian and Caribbean food tempted visitors.
Fans were also treated to a Legends versus Fans match at Bramall Lane prior to the fun day. The legends team triumphed 3-1 over the fans, helping to raise £2,000 for life-long Blades fan Karl Darby. Karl, 44 who suffers from Mycolonic Epilepsy and is confided to a wheelchair. The money raised will go towards the fundraising efforts of the club as they seek to raise enough money to enable a lift to be installed at his parents’ house, so that Karl to move back home.
Press release issued on behalf of Sheffield United Football Club by HR Media Ltd.