Sheffield United are today at the forefront of efforts to bring aid and relief to victims of the Chinese earthquake.

The club which owns the Chengdu Blades based in Sichaun province where the earthquake struck killing at least 10,000 people and injuring many thousands more, is offering care and assistance.

PLC Chairman Kevin McCabe said: "We are helping in the best way we can the people who have come to know us through the Chengdu Blades."

Initiatives include:

- Players and staff at Chengdu Blades - the Chinese Super League team - donating blood

- Players visiting the schools affected by the earthquakes

- Chengdu Blades and Sheffield United shirts being given to youngsters

- A minutes silence at the next home game of the Chengdu Blades

In addition, United, through the Chengdu Blades have offered their support to the Chinese government.

Mr McCabe had hoped to fly in to the disaster region as he returned from Australia where he is on a business trip.

"At the moment it is just not possible. The airport is closed and there is no other practical way of reaching the area.

"With some difficulty I've been able to make contact with our colleagues in Chengdu - thankfully everyone is ok and have welcomed the offers of help and support from Sheffield.

"We will continue to liaise closely with the club and colleagues in Chengdu and have contacted the Government to offer our assistance in any way we can."

Joining United in the help programme are Mr McCabe's Scarborough Group, Sheffield FC and the Blades sister clubs in Australia (Central Coast Mariners) and Hungary (Ferencvaros).

Terry Robinson, Chairman of Hungarian sister club Ferencvaros as well as being a director of Chengdu Blades and Sheffield United, said: "On a personal note I am saddened and shocked at the devastation in China where we have so many friends. Through our Chief Executive Kristian Berki we are offering support and help."

United's family of clubs will be represented on a special visit to be made to Chengdu by director Scott McCabe.

Scott said: "What was to be a "football trip" to Chengdu in July will now be a visit next month to help the people and hopefully go some way to help raise spirits and show support from the people of Sheffield."

The Chengdu Blades team will wear black arm-bands and have Red Cross donation numbers on the front of their shirts during the game with Changsha which has been postponed from tomorrow night to Saturday).

* In October 2006, United became the first club to purchase a stake in a Chinese league side and last season the Chengdu Blades gained promotion to the top division in the country. Chengdu, which has a population of 11 million, is the capital of the Sichuan province with a population of around 100 million people.