Sheffield United's work with thousands of youngsters across the city has been recognised with a council award.

The club was given a special accolade by Sheffield City Council in recognition of its outstanding work engaging with young people and local volunteers.

United received the award at their recent annual Community Day at Bramall Lane.

The Blades' engagement with more than 15,000 young people has been recognised for contributing to the government's ten-year 'Positive Activities for Young People' strategy.

Many of Sheffield United's community operations are out of school hours and are delivered by the United Initiative team along with local volunteers.

Simon Argall, operations director of SUFC and Sue Beeley of the United Initiative - the club's community programme - were presented with the award by Patrick Meleady, Positive Activities for Young People manager at Sheffield City Council and Nicole Harwood, Targeted Youth Support manager.

Patrick Meleady, said: "I was really pleased to present this to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. This award is to recognise the substantial contribution that the club makes to Sheffield by providing a diverse range of innovative activities at times when children, families and communities most need them.

"The club is a real asset to Sheffield and the United Initiative is fabulous to work in partnership with."

Sheffield United operations director Simon Argall, said: "We engage with thousands of youngsters of all ages across the city as a result of a range of community programmes run by the club.

"We are delighted that the council has acknowledged our involvement in this area and look forward to continuing to support activities for young people in Sheffield."