Youngsters from Malta are becoming the latest supporters of Sheffield United after a special visit to the country by the Championship club.
A strong contingent from Bramall Lane made a week-long trip to Malta to introduce the club and came away with more than 100 children becoming members of the Junior Blades.
United's roadshow around the country took in visits to schools and hospitals where the club provided gifts and displayed a unique collection of football memorabilia - worth in the region of £1million - from their Legends of the Lane museum.
Sheffield FC's original hand-written 1858 football rules, a replica of the FA Cup, England caps, Cup final shirts and the Youdan Cup, the first football trophy ever contested in the world, were all taken to Malta.
United and Maltese international Justin Haber attended, along with currently injured club vice-captain Gary Speed and United legends Tony Currie and Alan Hodgkinson.
The Blades staged a number of football training sessions during the visit, which was developed through the blossoming relationship between United and its shirt sponsor the Malta Tourism Authority.
United's John Garrett from the Legends of the Lane museum, said: "The exhibition allowed us to demonstrate the proud football history of the club and the city of Sheffield. It was a great way to introduce the Blades to the football mad Maltese youngsters.
"The FA Cup is a universal language throughout the world and all the kids wanted to see the famous trophy. I'm sure the trip will live long in their memory."
Goalkeeper Haber talked to the youngsters about the similarities between Sheffield and Malta, while the club also made an appearance on the Maltese version of Match of the Day, which is hosted by Justin's fiancée Raquel Camenzuli.
"Justin is a huge star in Malta," added John. "Everyone wants to shake his hand. Malta has a similar population to Sheffield and the kids are passionate about football, so Justin was able to talk to them about Bramall Lane and what it's like being a Blade living in Sheffield."
To coincide with United's visit, a Malta national XI took part in a friendly against Ferencvaros.
