Pupils from 19 of Manchester United Foundation’s partner primary schools enjoyed a school day with a twist – as they took on engaging and educational Manchester United-themed classes at Old Trafford.

68 children descended on the Theatre of Dreams for an exciting day of learning – which included creative story writing to coincide with World Book Day, orienteering outside the stadium, cooking with club chefs, and coding and programming with our presenting partner, and the club’s Digital Transformation and Shirt Sleeve Partner, DXC Technology.

As a result, the pupils had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Old Trafford – with lessons overlooking the famous pitch – and meet different members of club, Foundation and partner staff.

The event was also supported by students enrolled on the Foundation’s Sport and Youth Leadership degree, delivered alongside Manchester Metropolitan University, offering them an opportunity to support young people, aligning with the aims of their degree qualification.

Jordanna Roberts, the Foundation’s primary schools manager, said: “Welcoming our primary school pupils to Old Trafford for a school day with a difference has been an amazing experience for all of the children involved.

“Some of our young people have never been to Old Trafford before so it was brilliant to see their faces, and to use the stadium as an alternative learning environment for them to develop their skills and motivate them to continue doing their all in their studies.

“We love being out in our primary schools every day of the week, delivering our inspiring education provision, but to give the pupils a day to remember back here at Old Trafford was truly special.”

Students from Haslam Park Primary School in Bolton, Furtu and Harris, loved the experience of being at Old Trafford.

Furtu said: “We did so many things that we wouldn’t do in a normal school day. I really liked coming here to Old Trafford; it’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s very cool.”

Harris highlighted the orienteering activity, which saw pupils explore different landmarks around the stadium to help them solve a puzzle.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed going around the stadium and looking at all the statues for hints. We also wrote a story about Fred the Red which was fun. There’s a lot of things to do and with the activities we’ve done, we could be very creative.”

While most of the primary schools in attendance came from across different parts of Greater Manchester, three schools travelled from one of the Foundation’s outreach areas – Carlisle – to take in all the excitement at Old Trafford.

Brook Street Primary School is one of our partner schools in Carlisle, and the impact of the day was clear to see for specialist teaching assistant, Sandra Kirkpatrick.

Sandra said: “Our pupils have loved the whole experience and it’s been really educational as well. Some of the children haven’t been this far away before, but the more the day has gone on, the more they have shone. They’ve enjoyed it and had such a lovely time; they’ve been so engaged.”