The sounds of terrace chanting rippling through the Stretford air is nothing new, but perhaps it’s more likely to be found emanating from the cavernous stand that bears the area’s name, rather than the playing fields of Stretford High School.

But the opposite was the was the case in August, as local youngsters attending a Manchester United Foundation holiday camp stared at one another in disbelief as the unmistakable figure of United defender Harry Maguire made a surprise appearance on the astro turf. This bemusement was hastily replaced by a palpable buzz from all the participants as they launched into a rousing rendition of “Ohh, Harry Maguire! Ohh, Harry Maguire!”

“I like their singing, good voices,” commented Harry as he greeted the youngsters and fielded questions from the excited Stretford group.

The holiday camp is one of three that the Foundation is hosting throughout the summer in conjunction with Trafford Council and in line with the Department of Education’s HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme. The camps, in Stretford, Partington and Moss Side, offer young people aged between 8-14 a range of activities and a free lunch for all attendees.

The sessions provide a place for local kids to come and enjoy themselves and take part in outdoor physical activities during the school holidays, all under the watchful gaze of Foundation coaches.

However, it was abundantly clear what had become the highlight of this particular day, as Harry joined in with the tournament. He first took up an unusual role as sweeper keeper, before occupying only a slightly more familiar role up front – albeit not for Reds who saw his dramatic late winner against Lyon in April!

The youngsters relished the opportunity to play with Harry, with one participant setting him up perfectly for what turned out to be a spookily accurate recreation of that now-famous header at Old Trafford from earlier this year.

“I always love supporting the Foundation; they do great work in the community and it’s always nice to visit their projects, especially one so close to Old Trafford,” Harry explained to us after the event.

“This kind of activity is so important for the kids’ physical and mental health; it’s great to see them playing football and doing what they love. I enjoyed their singing too; their support means a lot to me and the rest of the group.” 

It's clear the appreciation worked both ways, with participants Leo and Devraj – both regular attendees at our Street Reds project in Stretford – barely able to contain their excitement after the games with Harry had come to a conclusion.

“We were just playing a tournament and then saw that Harry Maguire was on the pitch and we all went crazy!” Leo enthused. “I got to speak to him during the game and ask him some tips and he signed my Street Reds flask, too!”

“It was so cool to have Harry Maguire in our game,” said Devraj, in similarly enthusiastic fashion. “He really helped us, showing us what to do and even scored the goals for us as well! Honestly, I still can’t believe it.”

As Manchester United’s associated charity, it’s vitally important to everyone at the Foundation that those growing up in Manchester feel the support of a club on their doorstep. This is particularly relevant at projects taking place at Stretford High School, with the site located little over a mile away from Old Trafford. Visits such as Harry’s serve to add a sprinkle of Manchester United magic to what is already a fun and positive activity. 

Andy Jones, community coordinator at the Foundation, who managed the holiday camp in Stretford, echoed this sentiment and spoke of the impactful nature of the holiday camps.

“I’m a local lad myself and it’s vitally important that United has a presence in our communities, and gives opportunities to kids like those who have attended today,” he told us. “Having Harry here just took things to another level and it’s a day that the kids will never forget.

“We’re ensuring that during the summer break our young people are looked after, keeping them active, engaged, and providing them with a meal, as well,” he added. “I want to thank Trafford Council for their support, and also Milk Education – who delivered an additional workshop for the kids – for helping us to put on a great event.”