FC New York establish ties with Bolton, Sheffield clubs

FC New York Club executives visited the world’s oldest soccer club, Sheffield FC as part of their week long fact finding visit to the U.K. Sheffield FC which was first chartered in 1857 and has been recognized by FIFA in 2007 for its 150th anniversary.

Club manager Lee Walshaw welcomed F.C. New York’s President Doug Petersen and was given a tour of the trophy room while learning the rich history of the club before exchanging kits. “It was Sheffield FC that visited New York in 1908 and toured under the name the Pilgrims of England said Walshaw” The group discussed a number of similar issues over lunch at the club owned pub located on the grounds. A return visit by “the Pilgrims” was not ruled out.

In greater Manchester the group toured and took in a match at the Reebok, home to the Bolton Wanderers and met club dignitaries. Bolton with new manager Owen Coyle has advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Two days later officials were back in Sheffield for a tour of Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane and on-site museum.

Held carefully behind the glass are the original rules of the game of football. Bramall lane is the oldest stadium ground and has been United’s home since 1889. A visit to Sheffield United Academy was also part of the tour, EVP Jo-Ellen Treiber after touring the academy stated “while the academy has a great reputation of producing world class players seeing it for myself confirmed that, and we certainly took note of a number of items.

The visits provided them with ample time to interview candidates and observe players, as well as meeting many different people related to the sport.