Sheffield United's drive to be ready for the npower Championship has shifted up a gear!
United's standing within the football fraternity has been recognised by German car giants Porsche, who selected the Blades to test drive a new safety and awareness course designed for elite sportsmen.
You can watch a short clip from the day to the right for free. Subscribers can watch the full feature on BladesPlayer.TV
Porsche chose the Blades to pilot the course, which will now be rolled out to other professional teams, thanks to the Club's association with sports consultant, Carly Barnes.
Carly said: "This is a new concept which is safety-orientated and, thanks to my links with United, we managed to put this unique experience together which has been a resounding success. I'd like to thank the Porsche centre in Sheffield for sponsoring the day and the Blades for their enthusiasm."
Porsche's chief driving consultant Gordon Robertson said: "This course has been created for elite sportsmen and women and we are delighted that Sheffield United agreed to help us to pilot the programme. Our aim is to make players, many of whom drive high performance vehicles, better and safer drivers whilst learning to enjoy and understand their cars more."
Formula One driver Mark Webber, winner of the recent British Grand Prix, was involved in setting up Porsche's Silverstone circuit.
United's players experienced Porsche's Cayman, 911 and Boxster models after a briefing from Porsche staff at Silverstone.
New signing Nyron Nosworthy, captain Chris Morgan and midfielder Nick Montgomery were amongst the group that was advised how to control the cars under adverse road conditions, and offered guidance of the handling of high performance vehicle both on road and in a test track environment, enabling the drivers to explore the car up to and beyond the threshold of grip.
They also underwent a fitness testing regime in a scientific laboratory used by Grand Prix drivers at the venue.
New signing Daniel Bogdanovic commented: "It was fun but there is a serious aspect to the course. We have all gained knowledge that is not taught in normal driving lessons and those three or four points will help me to be safer behind the wheel."
Fitness consultant, Dean Riddle added: "It is something different for the lads, but part of the overall strategy for pre-season.
"This is not about how quickly the lads can drive - there are no lap times - because it is a specific programme to improve driving skills and be safer on the road. We want to make sure our lads are better prepared for what is thrown at them both on and off the field.
"I experienced this event six months ago to check out that it would be beneficial to the players and it has certainly made me a better driver."
