A young Brentford team will be heading north this week to compete against some the best known names in British football.
Brentford’s Category Two Football Academy are sending an Under-14 team to the Youdan Trophy, which starts today, Monday, 27 July. The five day tournament – which culminates in a final at Sheffield United’s historic Bramall Lane ground on Friday, 31 July – features eight teams. Among those taking part are the two Sheffield clubs and the Old Firm teams from Glasgow.
Brentford will play in a four-team group with Glasgow Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday and FAB Academy. The other group contains Sheffield United, Glasgow Celtic, Charlton Athletic and Nerang Eagles, from Australia.
The tournament is designed to recognise Sheffield’s football history and the Youdan Cup, a competition that was run in the city in 1867, before the FA Cup was created. Brentford were invited to attend the competition and will play games on each of the five days of the tournament as they look for another trophy.
Ose Aibangee, Brentford FC Academy Director, said: “It was an honour to be invited to take part in the competition and we were pleased we could send a team up.
“Tournaments are a great way for the players to learn and the carrot of playing a final at Bramall Lane is a big one. I am sure the boys will do their best and will represent Brentford FC in the best possible way on and off the pitch.”