Sporting history unveiled by Sheffield Lord Mayor

[FF News]

Football fans have just four weeks to catch a glimpse of a piece of Sheffield's football heritage next month.

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Talib Hussain, will formally unveil the Youdan Trophy before it goes on public view in Sheffield Town Hall from July 3rd to July 30th.
The stunning bronze statue is the work of Barnsley's revered 'people's sculptor' Graham Ibbeson - the man famed for his life size Dickie Bird statue in his hometown and his celebrated Eric Morecambe statue in Morecambe.
The Youdan Trophy will sit in the alarmed display case in the Town Hall entrance with round the clock security.
Graham Ibbeson was commissioned to design and make a trophy celebrating a Sheffield footballing first - the Football Challenge Cup presented by Thomas Youdan Esq.
The little-known competition was the world's first ever football tournament that pre-dates the FA Cup by a full four years and was played only once at Bramall Lane in 1867.
This summer sees it as the inspiration for the new Youdan Trophy with the final once again played at the competition's spiritual home, Bramall Lane.
The winning team will be presented with Graham Ibbeson's stunning new masterpiece, the Youdan Trophy itself.
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.
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 Youdan Trophy Tournament is set to take place at Sheffield Hallam University's Sports Park from Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31. The final will take place at Bramall Lane on July 31 at 3pm.
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.
Free tickets for the final are available from www.youdantrophy.com
The Youdan Trophy is being delivered in partnership with Marketing Sheffield, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Precision, Meadowhall and Blenheim Estates.

Source: Neil Anderson Media

Source