The Sheffield & Hallamshire FA region played host to an U21s international friendly this week. Over 18,500 fans flocked to Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United for the England U21 International Friendly against the Czech Republic, on Tuesday night (18th November).
Making up the crowd, were thousands of youngsters, managers and coaching staff from Charter Standard clubs, junior clubs and adults clubs from across the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA region.
Taking centre stage before the game, the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Flagbearer competition winners, lucky enough to be drawn out of the hat to represent their County FA to carry the England Flag out onto the pitch. The eight youngsters carried the flag around the pitch and then faced the tunnel, to greet the players running out on to the pitch.
During half time, Maurice Matthews, Chairman of Sheffield & Hallamshire FA, along with Jonathan Hall, The FA, Director of Governance welcomed some very special individuals onto the pitch from our the Charter Standard Community for a number of very special presentations.
Representatives from Barugh JFC proudly received their regional FA Charter Standard Development Club Award 2008. Barugh achieved development status this year, which lead to the clubs nomination for regional recognition for their ongoing commitment to the development of young players.
Worksop Boys & Girls Club took to the field to receive the Charter Standard Community Status Award, the highest attainable award from the FA and only three years after initially receiving Charter Standard Status, which is a fantastic achievement.
Finally Darren Bradwell, Club Secretary for Dronfield Town was presented his regional award for Charter Standard Administrator of the Year 2008, which followed his national accolade last month presented at the England International against Kazakhstan, at Wembley. Darren tireless dedicated his valuable time to the club, which is currently working towards attaining community club
James Hope-Gill, Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Chief Executive said “It is always an honour for the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA football community to be selected as host for such a fixture. It was wonderful to see spectators from clubs from all over the area, coming together to watch our nations young stars in action. I would like to offer my congratulations to our Charter Standard clubs and individuals, who we were able to make presentations to on such a special occasion.”
The match was not the bad either with the crowd did not have to wait long in the first half, for a goal with Frazer Campbell slotting home a shot on ten minutes, and then a second early in the second half from Craig Gardener sealed victory for the young lions on South Yorkshire soil.
Sheffield & Hallamshire FA hope that it will not be too long a wait until we see another prestigious event return to the area for everyone to enjoy.