Businesses told to back -totally unique Youdan Trophy

17th March 2016

Former Liverpool and Ireland international Mark Lawrenson issued a challenge to the region's businesses last night (Tuesday, March 15th) - support Sheffield's -totally unique Youdan Trophy.

The renowned football pundit was the keynote speaker at last night's Sheffield Chamber of Commerce event. The evening was geared to nurturing new partnerships with the Youdan Trophy which has already increased fourfold in size and returns for a second year this summer. He said: -I think you should all back it because I am. His sentiments were mirrored by Paul Billington, Sheffield City Council's director of leisure and culture, who was also a guest speaker. Sheffield Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Youdan Trophy organisers You-Are-The-Ref.com to host the special event at the University of Sheffield's Inox Dine facility. They were joined by former England international and SWFC star David Hirst and referee Mark Halsey as plans for this summer's Youdan Trophy football tournament were unveiled. James Hope-Gill, Youdan Trophy tournament director, said: -The Youdan Trophy is set to become the biggest and most prestigious tournament of its kind in the whole of Europe. It will become a globally recognizable Sheffield brand in the coming months and years. We're keen for businesses to be a part of that journey and take advantage of the opportunities we're creating. U14 and U16 teams from Rosenborg to Leicester City, Seattle Sounders to FC Basel and Everton to Royal Antwerp are lined up to join other top-flight clubs from Africa, Europe and the USA for the tournament which includes the city's own Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. Sheffield-based You-Are-The-Ref.com, which is the world's leading independent authority and education platform for match officials, are behind the creation of the competition which celebrates football's first ever tournament; the Football Challenge Cup presented by Thomas Youdan Esq. which was played only once in 1867 at Bramall Lane. The Youdan Trophy itself is set to be unveiled at the National Football Museum in Manchester in a few week's time. More information from www.youdantrophy.com You can also follow the Youdan Trophy on Twitter (@YoudanTrophy), Instagram (@YoudanTrophy) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/YoudanTrophy).