World names to attend football dinner
The biggest names in world football are coming home to Sheffield.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón and Inter Milan president Dr Massimo Moratti have confirmed their attendance at Sheffield FC’s 150th anniversary dinner.
In what is a massive coup for the city and its world famous football club, former England stars Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Bobby Robson, along with FA chairman Geoff Thompson, will also be at the dinner at Sheffield’s Cutlers’ Hall on October 24.
As a thank you for Sheffield FC’s Boots for Africa campaign, which has raised more than 4,000 boots for youngsters in South Africa, Her Excellency Ms Lindiwe Mabuza, South African High Commissioner, has agreed to come to Sheffield.
Descendants of club founders Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest are attending along with the great and good from Sheffield, including officials from the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA, Hallam FC, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.
Other big names are expected to be announced over the coming days.
The celebration dinner, which marks the birth of the world’s first football club, will rank among one of the most prestigious events staged in the city. It is also another key milestone in the joint 150th anniversary of Sheffield FC and the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
FIFA established close links with Sheffield FC after the club were award the FIFA Order of Merit in 2004, along with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Sheffield FC for reaching this unique milestone. This is a remarkable achievement and one which the club and the rest of the football world should be proud of.”
Ahead of the dinner, a special thanks giving ceremony will take place at Sheffield Cathedral.
Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims, says: “The anniversary of the world’s first football club is a momentous occasion for the football world. We are therefore delighted that the world’s leading figures in the game can attend this unique event.
“It’s going to be a great day for Sheffield because everyone will be paying homage to the fact that club football was born here in the city.
“We feel it is about time that Sheffield and our club receives the attention it deserves for playing such a crucial role in developing a game which is enjoyed by millions of people around the globe.”
*Media arrangements will be confirmed closer to the date. However, if you wish to cover any part of the event, can you please register your interest by emailing steve@hrmedia.org.uk and stipulate any photographic or filming requirements.