FURD
Football Unites is backing Sheffield's bid to be one of the host cities if England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals is successful. Sophina Hanif, a volunteer with FURD, was part of the delegation which took Sheffield's 462 page bid to Wembley on 26th November.
The delegation also included representatives of Sheffield United and Wednesday, Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven, the Sheffield Wednesday band, entertainer Bernie Clifton, former players including Brian Deane, and a group of young people aged from 8 to their early 20s.
Coun Scriven said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. FIFA president Sepp Blatter called Sheffield 'the greatest city in England' when he came to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the world's oldest club Sheffield FC. We hope the FA agree."
Sophina said about the trip,
"It was fantastic! It was very exciting and the atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. Having the Sheffield Wednesday band playing as we approached the Wembley entrance was amazing! Everyone was thrilled to see so many familiar faces. We all just wanted to be the ones bringing the World Cup to Sheffield.
"Being part of the delegation was the most prestigious honour I have ever been given. It was lovely to see how hard the team had been working on the bid and how good a chance we have of hosting the World Cup in Sheffield. Furthermore I felt reassured that Sheffield has done its utmost to provide what was needed for an excellent bid. I was able to share my experiences with others and talk about FURD and how this superb organisation has helped me to progress in my favourite hobby which will forever be football.
"It would be a great privilege if the World Cup came to Sheffield because I believe as people of Sheffield we have worked a lot to contribute towards football. It has made us who we are, what we stand for and what we love. We are very culturally diverse and fanatics of the great game. I have been born in the world of football like many other children and having the World cup in England would be great; however having the World Cup in Sheffield would mean I can finally be proud of all my hard work."