Students from Swinton had the opportunity to meet and greet with Manchester United Players during a Match of the Day special over the weekend.
On Thursday 2nd of February, students from Co-op Academy Swinton were invited to Manchester United’s training ground and headquarters to participate in activities with first team football players to encourage supporting mental health.
Filmed by the BBC and Manchester United F.C, students from Year 7-10 took part in special activities focussed on supporting mental and physical wellbeing.
They met first team players: Bruno Fernandes, Frederico Rodrigues, Alejandro Garnacho and Ella Toone who took part in football activities with the students and shared inspiring stories about their personal and professional journeys. It was aired on Match of the Day on the 5th of March.
Fernandes said: “It’s been really enjoyable to get involved in the activities and have the children come and visit us at the training ground. We know the positive effect that the Foundation can have in schools and it’s great to see the brilliant work they are doing around mental health.
“It’s important that children feel like they can talk about these things and speak up if they are having problems. The Foundation’s work in the school is vital in providing that support; there is always someone there to help them.”
With a vision to “deliver educational and community outreach programmes to help young people make positive choices in their lives”, the Foundation is committed to helping young people improve their Health, Social Wellbeing and Employability.
On engaging with the students, Garnacho said: “I’ve enjoyed being here with the Foundation, it’s always good to spend time with the children and hopefully we can inspire them. I was their age three years ago; I’m really proud to be here and to help.”
The Manchester United Foundation aims to develop young people to reach their full potential and helps build lasting relationships within their local community. The Foundation’s partnership with Co-op Academy Swinton began in 2014.
Hub Officer for the Foundation, Adele Howarth said: “Today was such an incredible opportunity for our students, one that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
“I’m a firm believer that within my job role I can keep making a positive impact on students’ wellbeing within school, as football is such a powerful tool to help do that. Some of the students here today are a prime example of this. I’m so proud of them all and feel absolutely privileged to be Co-op Academy Swintons’ Hub Officer.”
Headteacher, Zarina Ali, said: “This was an exceptional opportunity for our students at Co-op Academy Swinton. We were so pleased to be selected by Manchester United Foundation who we have a very strong partnership with. We are so proud of our students.”
CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, Dr Chris Tomlinson, said: “It’s fantastic to see the result of Manchester United Foundation’s work with Co-op Academy Swinton and other students in our Trust.
“The Foundation is using sport to help empower students and help every young person to reach their full potential. Their community commitment is something that very much aligns with our Trust values of succeeding together and doing what matters most.”
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