Each year, the rival supporters of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday join together, in the aid of charity, in a one-off Sheffield Fans Derby (SFD). Many charities have benefited from the help and support that this football match brings since its introduction in 2008.
In 2019, £9,430.54, was raised for Sheffield Hospitals Charity Dementia Appeal, bringing the organisations total funding raising to £52,473.61 since 2008, which has seen the fans of the two clubs meet 15 times during this period.
The match took place at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium, on 7th May 2019, with (naturally), the Blades running out 2-1 winners over our fierce rivals! A cheque presentation is due to take place at Hillsborough stadium on Saturday 15th February 2020 when the Owls host Reading.
The organisers of the SFD would like to thank everyone who was involved in the event without whom this total wouldn’t be possible! This now takes the overall total raised to £52,473.61 for 15 different charities/appeals over twelve years, £25,232.54 for Sheffield Hospitals Charity in seven events.
The Sheffield Fans Derby is a full 11 a side game played, sanctioned and officiated under FA rules, managed completely by volunteers. A different charity is chosen for each game and funds are raised by the players receiving sponsorship for taking part, corporate sponsorship of the program, match ball etc and ticket and program sales on the day of the event. From very humble beginnings raising a few hundred pounds for Sport Relief 2008 it has developed into an organised event using professional football grounds. # # # For more information about the Sheffield Fans Derby visit the website at www.sheffieldfansderby.co.uk
The next event is due to take place at the New York Stadium on Saturday 16th May 2020, 7:30pm kick-off in aid of Sheffield Hospitals Charity Jessops Bereavement Appeal
The organisers of the event, and a representative of the Sheffield Hospitals Charity said about the event;
Iain Atkins, SFD Organiser and Sheffield Wednesday Manager
“I am absolutely delighted and proud to present this fantastic amount, a record breaking total for such a fantastic cause, the Sheffield Hospitals Charity Dementia Appeal. Dementia is something that affects someone we all know. To be able to raise this phenomenal amount to support this cause is unbelievable. We have certainly set ourselves a massive target to beat in May this year when we again for #SFD16”
Isla Denoon, Sheffield Hospitals Charity
“On behalf of everyone here at the charity I’d like to say a massive thank you to Iain, Neil and Stephen and the rest of their team for their on-going support over the last 10 years. They really have made such a huge difference to many people’s lives. Their most recent record-breaking event raised a whopping £9,430 for our Dementia Appeal and will be put to good use improving patient care, to ensure that every patient living with dementia will leave hospital as fit and healthy as possible. It really is inspiring to see how committed these guys are to their fundraising and to making life better for the people of Sheffield. They have done so much and we really cannot thank them enough.”
Matt Phillips, Sheffield United Fans Manager
“I am delighted that we have raised a record breaking total for a brilliant cause, well done and thank you to everyone who has been a part of this great event.”
Chris Clifford, Sheffield United Fans Assistant
“Wow, an unbelieveble effort from all involved. An honour to have been part of the raising of such an incredible amount of money for the Charity. Just goes to show what as special event this is, a huge congratulations to everyone who has been instrumental in making the event a success and a big thank you to everyone who donated no matter how much!”
Steve Atkins, SFD Treasurer and Sheffield Wednesday Assistant.
“I couldn’t believe the final total when it came up and had to go back and recheck my numbers when I saw the total. This shows that it’s worth the time and effort that goes into organising the event when you see a final total like this. Let’s hope the next event can be as successfull. Congratulations to all who took part and all those who supported the event both financially and with their time. “
Neil Tilbrook, SFD Co-Organiser.
“Yet again an unbelievable amount raised from a game of football. The result of the match pales into insignificance when you realise what this money can do for the Dementia Appeal. Thanks to all that took part, volunteered and donated. See you all at SFD16!”