BOSSES at Sheffield United are planning to fly out to the quake-hit Chinese province of Sichuan next month to see how the club can help the area's stricken people.
The club, which owns the Chengdu Blades based in Sichuan province, hopes to offer care and assistance.
The earthquake struck on Monday killing at least 10,000 people and injuring many thousands more.
Players and staff at Sheffield United's si
ster club the Chengdu Blades have already donated blood for the victims of the disaster and players are visiting schools affected by the earthquake.
Chengdu Blades and Sheffield United shirts are being given to youngsters and a minute's silence is planned at the next home game of the Chengdu Blades.
United chairman Kevin McCabe had hoped to fly in to the area as he returned from Australia where he is on a business trip, but the region's airport is closed due to the quake.
Mr McCabe said: "We are helping in the best way we can through the people who have come to know us through the Chengdu Blades.
"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 effort are Mr Mcabe's Scarborough Group, Sheffield FC and the Blades' sister clubs Australian side Central Coast Mariners and Hungarian club Ferencvaros.
United's family of clubs will be represented on a visit to Chengdu next month by Mr McCabe
He 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 until Saturday.
United became the first club to purchase a stake in a Chinese league side in October 2006 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.
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