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Blades name top charity XI

10 November 2008

Sheffield United has named its first XI! The Blades have announced it is supporting 11 charities during the 2008/09 season, giving backing to international, national and local initiatives.

Their star striker is the British Red Cross, particularly the China earthquake appeal, as United provide aid to sister club Chengdu Blades, who are based in the Sichuan province affected by the disaster.

The first-team wore the Red Cross slogan on the front of their shirts for all pre-season games, while the club organised a fundraising tournament with the Chengdu Blades and backed the Chinese club's high-profile friendly with Chelsea in Macau.

Helping to lead the front-line are the Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity and United's designated national charity the NSPCC. The club is already staging a number of events to raise funds, including a static bike ride at its open day and at the Championship game with Watford.

Across midfield United include Sheffield-born charities Cash for Kids, Weston Park Hospital and Neurocare, while the defence consists of Bluebell Wood, Cavendish Centre, St Luke's Hospice and Whirlow Hall Farm. The Ryegate centre, which is part of the Children's Hospital, is in goal.

United players, coaching staff, directors and backroom staff will continue to give up hours of their own time to visit additional charities, including St Wilfrids and the Supertroopers.

And the United Initiative, Sheffield United's community football programme, is maintaining its work with a whole range of schools, clubs and community groups, around Sheffield using sport to connect local people.

Simon Argall, operations director at Sheffield United, said: "We are pleased to support these eleven charities with a number of events and initiatives taking place throughout the season. This will help raise awareness and funds for some very good causes.

"The eleven are also an addition to what the club does all year round for community groups across the city, including the Sharrow district around Bramall Lane."

Categories: Sheffield United