Fans of Ukranian club Karpaty Lviv have invited Sheffield United supporters to visit their city for a football tournament

Although this year’s EuroFanz festival appears certain to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, organisers would like a delegation from Bramall Lane to attend future editions according to Adam Pate, a United follower based in Kiev.

Pate, whose website ukrfut24.com chronicles his travels across the country, described how a visit to the Ukraina Stadium - the home of Karpaty Lviv - led to the offer being extended.

“Prior to a trip there, I had a long chat with the supporter group of Karpaty Lviv, the most historic club from the city, and it was during those conversations that they introduced me to EuroFanz,” he told The Star. “It takes place every summer, but I guess this year’s one will be postponed, but I know they would really like the Blades to get involved. I can personally support the organisational needs of a team if any Blades would like to come across.”

Despite hailing from the West Midlands, Pate has been a United supporter since the early Nineties and always displays a St George’s cross flag, emblazoned with the Blades logo, whenever he attends a match in Ukraine.

Citing United’s reputation as being a community club for their popularity in eastern Europe - manager Chris Wilder and captain Billy Sharp are both lifelong followers of the team they led into the Premier League last term - Pate added: “What the organisers do is invite fans from all over Europe to bring teams. Newcastle United have been involved for a number of years already but they would really like one from United too, because so many people have taken a shine to us over here.”

Footage from previous EuroFanz tournaments are available to watch on YouTube, with representatives of over 30 different clubs and countries taking part in the last two events. Organisers say their mission is to promote “spirit, friendship and respect” among football supporters of all nationalities.

“Lviv is an immense place,” Pate said. “If you have ever visited, you will understand. It should be on a bucketlist for everyone.”

An important message from The Star:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, please purchase a copy of our newspapers or subscribe to thestar.co.uk.

The coronavirus lockdown is having a major impact on many of our local advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive. That means we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers and subscribe to our website during this crisis.

Stay safe and take care. Thank you.