Precision sponsorship set to boost grassroots game in the city
11th June 2015
Sheffield schools and grassroots teams are set to be the beneficiaries of thousands of pounds worth of footballing kit later this summer.
The equipment will be donated by Youdan Trophy sponsor, Precision, following the final of the inaugural event which is played at Bramall Lane on Friday, July 31st. The Nottingham-based company are providing thousands of pounds worth of footballs, sportswear and other equipment for the international tournament that is bringing the global stars of the future to the Steel City next month. Precision already have partnerships with the Welsh and Irish Football Associations and have a strong track record in grassroots football through their involvement in initiatives such as McDonald's 'Better Play' and Vauxhall Motors 'Youth Football Programme'. The company - that specialise in the design, manufacture and supply of sporting products - are looking forward to helping develop the Youdan Trophy into one of the country's highest profile youth tournaments. Dave Sanderson, Precision Brand Director, said: "We are honoured to be chosen as the sponsor for the Youdan Trophy. Precision works hard to support developing young players, and the opportunity to be involved with a prestigious youth tournament is something we are very excited about. We hope that together, we can build the Youdan Trophy into one of the most significant youth tournaments in the UK." The Youdan Trophy is celebrating the oldest tournament in the world - the Football Challenge Cup presented by Thomas Youdan Esq. that pre-dates the FA Cup by a full four years and was played only once at Bramall Lane in 1867. 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 tournament that is set to see invited youth teams at under 14 level from as far away as Australia competing. Glasgow Celtic, Glasgow Rangers, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, Brentford, AFA Nerang Eagles (Gold Coast) and FAB Academy are set to compete at the event. Any grassroots team or school that has representatives attending the Youdan Trophy final will automatically go into the draw for the Precision equipment. Free tickets for the Bramall Lane final are available from www.youdantrophy.com James Hope-Gill, Youdan Trophy Tournament Director, said: "It's great news for the Youdan Trophy to have attracted such a prestigious name like Precision in our first year. The tournament is all about showcasing the stars of the future. "The legacy of the tournament will mean better equipment for Sheffield schools and grassroots clubs to nurture the city's own stars of the future." The original Football Challenge Cup presented by Thomas Youdan Esq. was the brainchild of Thomas Youdan - a self-made Victorian who was behind Sheffield's celebrated Alexandra Theatre. The final was played at Bramall Lane and won by Hallam FC on March 5th, 1867, in front of 3,000 people. The new Youdan Trophy is set to take place from Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31. The event will also provide international match official training and development. The Youdan Trophy is being delivered in partnership with Creative Sheffield, Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University.