17 April 2009

Chinese international footballer visits Sheffield International College

Sun Jihai, the Chinese international footballer who currently plays for Sheffield United, visited Sheffield International College on Thursday 9 April 2009 to present certificates for 100% attendance to the College’s students.

A great evening was enjoyed by the College’s students. Kevin Smith, Sheffield International College’s Director, said: “Our rationale was he is the international star at Sheffield United; we are the international college at Sheffield University. As well as skill, sportsmen need dedication; as well as knowledge, students need application.

“We knew he was a gifted footballer, but what made Thursday evening such a treat was to discover that this international star was also such a delightful individual – being personable, articulate and unfailingly patient and accommodating for his fans. His speech was particularly touching, being from the heart, and his command of English was better, we thought, than some members of the English national team!”

Sheffield United and the University of Sheffield have worked closely together before, and Sheffield United, known as ‘the Blades’, have a close link with the Chengdu Blades in China.