Thousands raised at Youdan Trophy fundraiser

20th September 2016

Youdan Trophy 2016 left a lasting legacy for two Sheffield charities.

The city-based international football tournament raised a total of £3,000 for the Children's Hospital Charity and local young housing charity Roundabout at its sporting dinner. Youdan Trophy's Keith Hackett gave cheques for £1,500 to each of the two good causes at a presentation ceremony. Former Liverpool and Ireland international Mark Lawrenson lined up with SWFC and England star David Hirst and other VIPs at the recent sporting dinner 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. Over 800 players competed at this summer's Youdan Trophy in Sheffield. Clubs from Rosenborg to Everton, Seattle Sounders to FC Basel and Newcastle United to Royal Antwerp lined up with top-flight teams from Europe and the USA for the tournament which also included 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. Seattle Sounders of the USA won the U16 final against FC Basel of Switzerland whilst Charlton beat Sheffield Wednesday in the U14 final. Demand for teams wanting to compete in the 2017 Youdan Trophy is already surpassing expectations whilst Sheffield's footballing legacy is truly being broadcast across the Atlantic with the first Youdan Trophy satellite tournament taking place in New York City in a few months time. 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. You can follow the Youdan Trophy on Twitter (@YoudanTrophy), Instagram (@YoudanTrophy) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/YoudanTrophy).