Youngsters to play in front of big home gate

SHEFFIELD United’s youngsters will have the support of over 16,000 fans next week when they host Manchester United in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final, writes Ian Appleyard.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th May 2011, 09:42 BST

The Blades have allowed season ticket holders to claim two free tickets for the game while admission for other supporters is just £3 adults and £1 concessions.

It is the first time that the Blades have reached the final of a competition which is traditionally dominated by teams from the Premier League.

Several members of the side have appeared for the first team this season including defender Harry Maguire, striker Jordan Slew, and goalkeeper George Long.

“We have a fantastic set of youth players,” said Blades chairman Kevin McCabe. “I didn’t realise the crop of youngsters we had were so talented but the proof is in the pudding.

@We want to believe every youngster is going to be a star but, obviously, that doesn’t happen.

“Not all these kids will succeed but with good coaching and good management, I expect to see many of our youngsters being first-team players for Sheffield United in the not too distant future.”