Sir Bobby Charlton inspires pupils at launch events for two new Foundation partner schools

Whalley Range 11-18 High School and Levenshulme High School for Girls are each members of the Education and Leadership Trust and are the latest of twenty schools across Greater Manchester to benefit from such a partnership with the Foundation.

The day began at Whalley Range where students from the Senior Leadership Team welcomed Sir Bobby and Lady Norma with a presentation, encompassing the shared values of Manchester United Foundation and the school, before showcasing recent school projects and leading a tour of the school and sports facilities.

Year 11 student Myesha said, “Our school promotes values such as equality, democracy and equity and Manchester United Foundation is all about inspiration and unity; many things link to what the Foundation is doing and it’s had such an impact on us.  It’s a huge inspiration for such a historical and successful figure as Sir Bobby Charlton to come in; we’ve learnt about what he’s achieved and it’s truly amazing.”

At Levenshulme High School the former England captain and 1966 World Cup winner witnessed the extensive sports programme on offer for the students, including the successful girls’ football development project ran by Foundation coaches.  The school council also put on a special presentation to showcase the school’s values Solidarity, Resilience and Multi-Culturalism and how each Levenshulme High School, Sir Bobby and Manchester United have shown solidarity and resilience in their journeys to get to where they are today.

School council member Alligha, 16, said, “It’s a really big deal to have a partnership with Manchester United Foundation; the sports department has developed so much and our coach, Jason, has also been working with a lot of girls, not just in PE but in other subjects, to show that it’s not just about sports at United, it’s about improving someone as a whole.”

Jackie Fahey, deputy headteacher at Whalley Range, concluded, “It’s been absolutely fantastic to welcome Sir Bobby today, the girls have been so excited and have done lots of research about him. They were all overwhelmed and excited to say that they’ve met him because he’s such an inspirational leader and a real ambassador for Manchester.”

Manchester United Foundation’s partner school programme bases full-time coaches in local high schools to work with pupils, local primary schools and within the community to build lasting relationships and reputations.