The Sheffield Wednesday Under-14s and Under-16s are set to play a part in one of the most prestigious youth tournaments this summer.
The Youdan Trophy returns to Sheffield in August and will see the Owls youngsters tested against stern opposition as part of their pre-season preparations.
The tournament commemorates the world’s first cup competition - the Football Challenge Cup, that predates the FA Cup by four years in 1867.
The competition took its name from a local theatre owner, Thomas Youdan, who sponsored the Football Challenge Cup and provided the trophy to the winner.
In its inaugural outing, Hallam were triumphant after defeating Norfolk in the final which took place on 5 March 1867 and attracted 3,000 spectators.
The Youdan Trophy offers world class competition and entry is by invitation only.
Over 800 players will take part this summer with the likes of Rosenberg, Everton, Seattle Sounders, FC Basel, Newcastle, top-flight clubs from Africa and the rest of Europe taking part, as well as the Owls and Sheffield United.
The competition will begin on Monday 1 August with group games taking place at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park and the Warminster Road facility of the University of Sheffield.
For the Owls Under-14s, their group is as follows:
| Sheffield Wednesday |
| Everton |
| Birmingham City |
| Royal Antwerp |
And for the Owls Under-16s:
| Sheffield Wednesday |
| Celtic |
| Royal Antwerp |
| EKO Future Stars |
Competition organiser Keith Hackett said: “The Youdan Trophy is set to fill a big void in UK football.
“We’re providing a professionally run competitive tournament for the youth teams of professional clubs.
“These happen regularly in Europe but there’s nothing of this calibre in the UK.
“A key part of the event will be a celebration of Sheffield’s football heritage.”