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Stars mark team's 150th birthday | Stars mark team's 150th birthday |
(about 7 hours later) | |
The world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC, has celebrated its 150th anniversary with a star-studded event in the city on Wednesday. | |
Fifa president Sepp Blatter headed a guest list attending a thanksgiving service at Sheffield Cathedral followed by dinner at the city's Cutlers' Hall. | |
He said it was something of which the "football world should be proud". | He said it was something of which the "football world should be proud". |
Former players Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Tom Finney and Sir Bobby Robson were also due to have attended. | |
Sheffield FC, formed on 24 October 1857, is officially recognised by Fifa as the world's oldest football club. | Sheffield FC, formed on 24 October 1857, is officially recognised by Fifa as the world's oldest football club. |
It is one of only two clubs in the world to hold a Fifa Order of Merit - the other being Spanish giant Real Madrid. | |
It is about time that our club receives the attention it deserves for playing such a crucial role in developing a game Richard Tims, Sheffield FC chairman | It is about time that our club receives the attention it deserves for playing such a crucial role in developing a game Richard Tims, Sheffield FC chairman |
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon and Inter Milan president Dr Massimo Moratti were also among the top names in football who were due at the anniversary dinner. | |
Next month, Inter Milan will play a friendly against Sheffield FC to mark the milestone - with Brazilian legend Pele as the guest of honour. | Next month, Inter Milan will play a friendly against Sheffield FC to mark the milestone - with Brazilian legend Pele as the guest of honour. |
The world's oldest football club formed a team in 1857 | |
Speaking before the event, Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims said: "The anniversary of the world's first football club is a momentous occasion for the football world. | |
"We are therefore delighted that the world's leading figures in the game can attend this unique event. | |
"It's going to be a great day for Sheffield because everyone will be paying homage to the fact that club football was born here in the city. | "It's going to be a great day for Sheffield because everyone will be paying homage to the fact that club football was born here in the city. |
"We feel it is about time that Sheffield and our club received the attention it deserves for playing such a crucial role in developing a game which is enjoyed by millions of people around the globe." | |
He hoped the Unibond Northern Premier League club's unique position in football's heritage would help secure its long-term future. | He hoped the Unibond Northern Premier League club's unique position in football's heritage would help secure its long-term future. |
Mr Tims said: "We have two pieces of memorabilia which you cannot put a value on - an 1857 handwritten minute book containing the first laws of the game and the first printed version from 1859. | Mr Tims said: "We have two pieces of memorabilia which you cannot put a value on - an 1857 handwritten minute book containing the first laws of the game and the first printed version from 1859. |
"These are the Holy Grail of football, the first record of the laws of the game and this is something the world should harness." | "These are the Holy Grail of football, the first record of the laws of the game and this is something the world should harness." |
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