Established in 2007 to achieve a future where all young people are empowered to achieve their goals – however big or small, the Manchester United Foundation continues to enhance the prospects of generations of Reds.
As a football club, the importance of youth has always shone front and centre.
This ethos set the benchmark for the Foundation – one that remains sacred today.
The goal is to utilise football and the superpower of the 20-times-champions to supply a choice, enabling young people to make positive decisions to enhance their futures.
The Theatre of Dreams is just that – an arena that provides those lucky few an avenue to become icons.
Despite a global attraction, the community has always been at the core – and this is the bedrock for this wonderful Foundation.
The people behind this unique charity
Approaching his fourth year with the Foundation, lifelong United supporter Nathan Thomas is the organisation’s communications officer.
As a local lad raised in the majesty of Old Trafford, he is passionate about his community and always wanted to supply a small part in the betterment of the area – and the people within.
Nathan took time out of his schedule to speak with Shaun Connolly from the official Theatre of Red podcast to shine a light on the Foundation.
“It was set up as a tribute, in essence, to the Busby Babes and United’s dedication to young players and young people,” Nathan advised.
“What we were doing, rather than developing young players, we want to develop young people as young adults – as young individuals.
“We do that in a variety of ways. We essentially work in education and community.”
The importance of education within the Foundation
Education stands tall within the framework of the Manchester United Foundation.
Today, the charity is partnered with 77 different schools and colleges, boasting a staggering figure of 1574 qualifications received by participants.
Nathan highlighted the unique steps taken within each partnered facility.
“In each of those places of education, we have what we call a ‘hub officer’,” the communications officer explained.
“This is a member of our staff, and they work in those schools and places of learning – high schools, primary schools, and BTEC at A level.
“Their role is to kind of act almost like an in-between a teacher – like a big brother to a parent-type dynamic.
“They will work with kids who are maybe struggling for various reasons – whether it’s issues that they are having at home, whether it’s problems that they can’t focus – and they’ll work with them on a one-to-one basis.”
‘United and Me’
The ‘United and Me’ initiative supplies a unique avenue for Foundation participants to tell their stories in their own words.
The series aims to spotlight willing individuals who are open to sharing and explain how participation in the charity has aided them daily.
Nathan spoke about the latest chapter with a girl called Arissa and praised her remarkable journey.
“She was really struggling in school, and because she was struggling she was rebelling and being sent out and not focusing,” he continued.
“Our coach, Lauren, worked with her extensively over a period of time, and she is very much gone full circle now – she has become a bit of a community leader.
“She is just a fantastic young girl. She recently met up with Bruno, and I think they had a nice little connection.”
Community and the Foundation
Engage. Inspire. Unite – three core principles delivered daily.
The Foundation aims to supply outreach programmes to help young people improve their health, social wellbeing and employability.
An avenue close to Nathans’s heart is the Street Reds initiative.
He elaborated on the popular scheme: “To serve the communities I grew up in with my football club is a real honour – I absolutely love it.
“We have eight ‘Street Red Sites’ around the Greater Manchester area where kids can go – they can play football for an evening with a Man United coach.
“It gives them something really positive and something to be proud of within their community.
“Marcus Rashford went to the Street Reds in Wythenshawe the day after he scored against Midtjylland.”
PFA Community Champion Award
The great success of this initiative works hand-in-hand with the support of dedicated players throughout the club.
While individual contributions are significant, the PFA’s Community Champion award is reserved for those recognised for their continuous support of the Foundation throughout the season.
The recipients of the 2023/24 honours were André Onana and Phallon Tullis-Joyce, following a campaign of remarkable assistance.
Tullis-Joyce has gone above and beyond this season. The goalkeeper holds a degree in Marine Biology and offered her services at Stretford High School to teach a class about marine life – orchestrating a lesson in which they made a cuttlefish out of clay.
“I am really grateful to receive this – I have had a great time being with the community and helping out in any way I can,” the American said when receiving her award.
“I just love shedding any kind of light on how awesome our oceans are, and at the school, the kids were incredible and loved learning too.”
Men’s first-team goalkeeper, Onana, has developed a Foundation and appreciates the difficulties encountered daily.
Reflecting on the award, he said: “I’m so happy, and I feel grateful – it’s important for me to give something back to the local community.
“I have my own Foundation and have also experienced difficulties when I was younger, so I think it’s important to help the younger generations, not just for me, but also as a Manchester United player.”
How to help the Manchester United Foundation
You can visit the website and immerse yourself in this wonderful organisation.
Get involved in fundraising or donations through the site or by emailing the team at enquiries@mufoundation.org
The Manchester United Foundation operates in the same manner as any other charity and relies on the kindness of strangers.
Please note the Manchester United Foundation Registered charity number is 1118310.
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