Thanks to a Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme partnership more than 30 youngsters from Southern Ireland have visited Hillsborough for a special football and matchday experience.
Set up since 2014, the partnership, based in Wexford in Southern Ireland, is designed to increase football participation in the area and aims to provide children aged 7-14 the chance to develop their football skills, technique and playing ability.
As part of the project, more than 30 youngsters and their parents travelled over to Sheffield for a four day residential where they enjoyed the home fixture against Ipswich, took part in a tournament and went behind the scenes at the club.
As well as enjoying the matchday experience the team also got to meet Irish Owls star Keiren Westwood before the game!
The Wexford under 10s and under 14s took part in a ‘football festival’ that saw them play the SWFC development centre, Sheffield FC, Sheffield Rangers, Stocksbridge Park Steels and Wisewood Juniors.
Marcus Brameld, Community Manager at Sheffield Wednesday, said: “It was brilliant to welcome the Wexford teams over to Hillsborough and see how much the teams have progressed. They really enjoyed their time here and we look forward to welcoming them back next year!”