Blades youngsters jet off on a trip of a lifetime

21st July 2015

A group of young Sheffield-based footballers jet off today (Tues, July 21) to the most landlocked city in the world as part of their pre-season preparations, career development and to help spread the message of the Club and the beautiful game.

The journey of a lifetime will see 22 players from Sheffield United's Redtooth Academy, head east to China on a journey of thousands of miles via Amsterdam and Beijing to Urumqi, capital city of the Xinjiang province and at the heart of the country's plans to build a new Silk Road for international business and trade. The week-long trip in part due to co-owner Kevin McCabe's strong business links with the Far East and China will see the squad participating in two representative games; training programmes, visiting local schools and orphanages. The City of Urumqi and the Club will sign a footballing friendship and corporation agreement. Integral to the young Blades exciting trip and working with Mr McCabe have been The Hualing Group of Urumqi and colleagues within the Urumqi government. Sheffield United Redtooth Academy manager Nick Cox said: -It is recognised that up to 85 per cent of 17-year-olds in professional football are no longer in the game by the age of 22, so this is a wonderful opportunity for our young players not only to progress with us but also develop vital life skills as well. -For some it will be the first time they have travelled, let alone to such a remote part of the world. In addition the trip has generated some excellent local support and the players will also get to experience playing in front of a 15,000 spectators. -They will be showcasing their skills through a couple of representative games as well as playing a part in training and teaching programmes with Chinese youngsters, added Nick, one of six members of staff from the Academy who will accompany the squad. Sheffield United co-owner Kevin McCabe said: -The club enjoys a strong tradition of developing footballing and commercial relationships on an international basis whether it is Australia, India or China. -Through the connections with my business group, this provides a further opportunity to develop the name, heritage and the opportunities which the club offers at academy and commercial levels. -I would personally like to thank the Mayor of Urumqi Mr Yilihamu, the party secretary Mt Zhu Hailun and all within both the Urumqi government and The Hualing Group to make this team tour possible. Hopefully this will be the first of many trips to the region and our historic Club will see commercial benefits and further demonstrate why we are different than the rest. -My son Simon and colleague Carl Shieber from the Scarborough Group travelled earlier this week to the City to finalise the tour arrangements. This trip will certainly be a great occasion for both United and The City of Urumqi," added Mr McCabe. The squad travels today (Tuesday, July 21). On the day of arrival they will feature in a signing ceremony. Two days later they will play against Urumqi FC which will be followed by a game three days later against Xinjiang Snow Leopards first team who play in China's League One. Accompanying the squad will be Nick Cox, Chairman Kevin McCabe and director Simon McCabe. The squad line-up is Aaron Ramsdale; Josh Perryman; Graham Kelly; Manny Adebowale; Alex Brown; Tom Charlesworth Callum Semple; Joseph Cummings; Shea Gordon; Danny Ramsey; O'Shaye Hutchinson; Harvey Gilmour; Jake Ford; Jordan Hallam; Jack Sharvin; Tyler Smith; Stephen Mallon; Jorome Slew; Brodie Litchfield; Keegan Burton; David Parkhouse; Spencer Maw.