Reds Legend Lends a Hand

The former Reds striker, who recently took over as manager of United’s Reserves, will prepare the Foundation’s Kickz team for their match against Blackburn.   Their big game is due to take place on the same day as Ole’s testimonial and the two teams will be invited to watch the game at Old Trafford afterwards.  

The session will be a reward for the team’s dedication throughout the year.  Kickz is a project that aims to engage disadvantaged young people from the local area by running free coaching sessions at times when anti-social behaviour is at its highest.  The sessions aim to develop young people’s potential by encouraging them to move on to volunteer and take qualifications.

Lee Adams runs the project in Trafford.  He explains why Ole’s visit is so important:

“Kickz has had a really positive effect on the local area with recent figures suggesting that crime goes down by 18.5% at the times when the sessions run.  A lot of the lads and girls who attend have had a difficult upbringing, but I am really proud of them for the way they have behaved this year. They have all shown great commitment, regularly attending Kickz sessions and working hard to improve their situation.

“Meeting someone like Ole is a dream come true for them, they are all from the local area and many of them are big Manchester United fans. We are really grateful that Ole is giving up his time to come and share a few secrets with them.” 

Ole will also lead a coaching session at an event for brothers and sisters of cancer patients at the first team training facilities in Carrington.  The Young Oncology Unit at Christie’s is expanding its services to include support groups for siblings, who are often in need of a lift at a very difficult time. 

Both projects have huge appeal for Ole. He said: 

“I think the Foundation does a fantastic job in the community and I am looking forward to helping out at Kickz.  The Christie’s event really appealed to me too.  I think almost everyone knows somebody whose life has been touched by cancer.  I hope the day will boost the morale of the kids and give them an afternoon off where they can just concentrate on being kids and having fun.”