Opus helps celebrate historic landmark
Opus headed to south Yorkshire this week to take part in the star-studded celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Sheffield FC – the world’s first and oldest football club.
Marketing Director Mick Sawyer was joined by Fifa president Sepp Blatter, FA chairman Geoff Thompson and former sports minister Richard Caborn in the Steel City to pay tribute the side known locally simply as ‘The Club’.
A special Thanksgiving Service was held in Sheffield Cathedral before the 500 guests in attendance – including Sir Tom Finney, England World Cup winner Gordon Banks and Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson – retired to the city’s Cutlers’ Hall for a gala dinner and charity auction.
Opus donated a copy of the acclaimed Manchester United Opus to the proceedings and in total the auction raised over £40,000 for Sheffield FC’s ‘Boots for Africa’ charity, a campaign to develop the skills and fitness of aspiring disadvantaged children and provide more children with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game.
“It was a fantastic evening and a fitting tribute to Sheffield FC,” Sawyer said. “The club paved the way for the modern game and everything we all enjoy about football today and Opus was honoured to be part of the celebrations.
“The auction was a great success. ‘Boots for Africa’ is a tremendous charity and we were delighted to help out with the Opus donation. Football is a world game and Sheffield FC’s attempts to support underprivileged players in Africa deserve recognition.”
The gala evening began with an address from Blatter, who was also quick to pay tribute to Sheffield’s historic anniversary, as well as its charity efforts.
“As the church service said, Sheffield is the greatest city of England,” Blatter said. “And Sheffield FC is the basis of our organisation. I’m here as the representative of more than one billion people directly or indirectly involved with football to pay compliments to Sheffield. “Football is a universal language bringing people together. The game is more than money, it is education and we should all be happy about this occasion.”
