Thousands Raised at Star-Studded Youdan Trophy Fundraiser

28th July 2016

Former Liverpool and Ireland international Mark Lawrenson lined up with SWFC and England star David Hirst and referee legends Keith Hackett and Mark Halsey for a sporting dinner that raised £3,000 for two Sheffield charities.

Comedian Jed Stone was MC for the Youdan Trophy sporting dinner that successfully raised £1,500 each for the Children's Hospital Charity and local youth housing charity Roundabout. The charity sporting dinner was held at Sheffield's Holiday Inn Royal Victoria. Keith Hackett, director of Youdan Trophy tournament organisers You-Are-The-Ref.com, said: -Our sporting dinner was a fabulous night and raised a fantastic amount for two very worthwhile causes. -It was great to have the support of so many people that attended. Roundabout is Sheffield's local youth housing charity, providing shelter, support and life skills to over 150 young people in Sheffield everyday who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Children's Hospital Charity's provides funding for care over and above the standard NHS provision, enhancing The Children's Hospital in Sheffield and matching world class equipment with existing world class expertise. The Youdan Trophy international tournament has quadrupled in size from its 2015 debut. Over 800 players will compete at the Sheffield competition that kicks off on August 1st. Clubs from Rosenborg to Everton, Seattle Sounders to FC Basel and Newcastle United to Royal Antwerp will line up with top-flight teams from Africa, Europe and the USA for the tournament which includes the city's own Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. UK Premiership and Championship clubs include Watford, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest Stoke City, Derby County, Charlton Athletic, QPR and Middlesbrough. 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 is set to take place in Sheffield from August 1st-5th. Group games will take place at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park and the Warminster Road facility of the University of Sheffield. Free tickets for the finals are available from www.youdantrophy.com The Youdan Trophy is being delivered in partnership with Marketing Sheffield, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, iPro Sport, Seabrook Crisps, Engie, Quick Play Sport, Precision, Brew & Bean, Maurice Parker Interiors, Sandwich King UK, Talbot Sports Turf, G W Price, Hotel Football, The Children's Hospital Charity, SportPAD, Roundabout and The Star. You can also follow the Youdan Trophy on Twitter (@YoudanTrophy), Instagram (@YoudanTrophy) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/YoudanTrophy).