Over 120 participants joined Manchester United Foundation on Friday evening for a special stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford. The fourth of its kind, the event gave guests a detailed insight into the plight of the young people the Foundation supports – with many having experienced poverty and homelessness.

The guests soaked up the stillness of a peaceful Old Trafford before listening to a talk from Foundation CEO, John Shiels. The group then heard from a panel of Foundation advocates, which featured Libby, a former participant, who now works in a casual matchday role at Old Trafford.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the Foundation,” she told the guests. “I went through a rocky path towards the end of my time in school, but my coach Niccola supported me through my exams when things were really tough – even collecting me to take me to school to complete them. I then went on to take the Foundation’s BTEC Sport course at Eccles College and secured some work here at the stadium.”

Also joining supporters on the night were four very special guests that needed no introduction to the United fans taking part, as former club captain Michael Carrick, Wes Brown, Phil Jones and ex-kitman Albert Morgan all took time to mingle with supporters before joining the panel and taking part in a Q&A.

Michael is well-known in Foundation circles given his involvement with our free community football project, Street Reds. We deliver Carrick’s Street Reds, which takes place close to Old Trafford, in partnership with the Michael Carrick Foundation, something that Michael holds close to his heart.

Michael said: “Going through this experience, knowing it’s what some people have to go through every night, is very sad to know and understand. But in these surroundings with over 100 people coming to sleep, it’s a night I’ll remember for a long time, and it’s vital to raise these funds and awareness so the Foundation can do its best work. It means a lot to me that my foundation is able to work alongside Manchester United Foundation and support young people in so many different ways.”

Wes Brown is another Reds legend who feels passionately about the Foundation’s community work. A Mancunian himself, the former United defender understands the struggles facing some young people in the region, and is always willing to lend his support when he can.

“I’ve worked with the Foundation for a long time, so I’ve seen the difference they make in the community,” Wes said. “These kind of events are so important to help support that work and it’s obviously an amazing opportunity for fans to have this experience of sleeping out at Old Trafford.”

One of those fans, Cory Robinson, spoke to us about the reasons behind wanting to get involved.

“It’s an amazing and quite surreal experience to have the opportunity to do this and spend the night in this iconic stadium,” he told us. “However, hearing about the Foundation tonight has shown me why what they do really matters, and the impact it has on real people. It feels great to be able to support that.”

Foundation CEO John Shiels, added: “Once again, I am so proud to see our supporters – the United family – coming together, recognising the importance of our community work and giving up their time to help us continue that work.

“A huge thank you to everyone that came down, your contribution will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of young people.”

Alongside fans, club partners including DXC Technology, Cadbury and SportsBreaks all supported Sleep Out, donating time, funding and items to the event.

Donations to the appeal are still open. Click here to donate.