Youdan Trophy quadruples in size - draw for Sheffield's own international tournament

The Youdan Trophy tournament has quadrupled in size from its 2015 debut.
John Hartson, left, and Michael Appleton with the Youdan Trophy at the draw. Photo by Glenn Ashley.John Hartson, left, and Michael Appleton with the Youdan Trophy at the draw. Photo by Glenn Ashley.
John Hartson, left, and Michael Appleton with the Youdan Trophy at the draw. Photo by Glenn Ashley.

Sheffield’s own international spectacular now boasts a string of top UK clubs including Watford, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest Stoke City, Derby County, Charlton Athletic, QPR and Middlesbrough.

Clubs from Rosenborg to Everton, Seattle Sounders to FC Basel and Newcastle United to Royal Antwerp are lined up to join top-flight teams from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the USA for the tournament which includes the city’s own Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.

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The tournament, will be played in the Steel City – the birthplace of the game - from August 1-5 with group matches at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park and the Warminster Road facility of the University of Sheffield.

Former Welsh international John Hartson and ex-Manchester United player and now Oxford United manager Michael Appleton to perform the draw at the National Football Museum in Manchester

Keith Hackett, director of tournament organisers You-Are-The-Ref.com said: “The line-up f has exceeded all expectations .

“The Youdan Trophy is set to become the biggest and most prestigious tournament of its kind in Europe and we’re confident it will become a globally recognizable Sheffield brand in the coming years.

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“The competition is bringing some of the best academy teams at under 16 and under 14 from professional clubs around the world to compete at the highest level. .”

Competition director James Hope-Gill said: “The tournament is set to showcase footballing skills at the highest level as the stars of tomorrow compete in the home of football..”

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 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.

The draw:

Under-14

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Group 1: Middlesbrough, Glasgow Celtic, Sheffield United, Maiden City.

Group 2: Watford, Derby County, Nottingham Forest, JHR Rotterdam.

Group 3: Stoke City, Glasgow Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Aspire Academy.

Group 4: Everton, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City, Royal Antwerp.

Under-16

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Group 1: Derby County, Sheffield United, FC Basel, JHR Rotterdram.

Group 2: Newcastle United, Charlton Athletic, Seattle Sounders, Friendly Academy.

Group 3: Glasgow Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday, Royal Antwerp, EKO Future Stars.

Group 4: Wolverhampton Wanderers, Queens Park Rangers, Rosenborg BK, Maiden City.

More information from www.youdantrophy.com

You can also follow the Youdan Trophy on Twitter (@YoudanTrophy), Instagram (@YoudanTrophy) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/YoudanTrophy).