Not only are Sheffield FC the oldest football team in the world but they’re now officially the best Adult Charter Standard Club in the country having won The FA’s National Award for 2007.

The club, who celebrate their 150th anniversary this year, have built up a thriving community programme in the area with a coaching initiative operating in 52 local schools as well as providing football opportunities for females and disabled children.

 

Sheffield will receive their award before England v Estonia at Wembley Stadium on October 13 and chairman, Richard Tims, is delighted that the club have achieved national recognition for their good football practice: “We employ two full-time community officers and it’s great to be out there and ticking all the boxes because we realise the enjoyment that football can bring to people.

“Football is all about community and society and the name of Sheffield FC stands for both those things.”

Sheffield have invited Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini and Gordon Brown to their anniversary celebrations later this year and Richard is pleased to have escaped the turmoil that engulfed the club when he took over in 2001: “We didn’t have a ground back then and things were looking very bleak.

“Everyone knows that Sheffield is a passionate football city with Wednesday and United so we decided to go back to our roots and re-brand the club.

“Football fans now realise that if you’ve got an interest in the game then you’re linked to Sheffield FC because it was our forefathers who started it all so it’s great to win this FA National Award,” said Richard. 

Sheffield’s community spirit isn’t limited to Yorkshire either with a successful boot distribution project for disadvantaged children in South Africa: “We’re looking to roll Boots for Africa out until at least 2010 and asking all clubs to get behind us and support the appeal.

 

“Football boots are seen as disposable in England so this is a great opportunity for clubs to help those less fortunate,” said Richard. 
 
Log onto www.sheffieldfc.com for more information.