Local Charities Lift the Community Shield

Youngsters from four local charities were invited to Old Trafford yesterday and given the one-off opportunity to be photographed with the FA Community Shield by the side of the pitch.  The morning was to celebrate that each charity has been nominated by Manchester United to receive £13,750 each from the proceeds of this year's FA Community Shield game. 

The charities are Manchester United's preferred charity partners: The Legacy - Rainbow House, Francis House Children's Hospice, Christie's and The New Children's Hospital Appeal. The youngsters were given a behind the scenes tour of the stadium before posing with the Shield pitch side, an honour usually reserved for the trophy winners.  

Manchester United Foundation (Trading) Limited manages the charity partnerships on behalf of the Club. 

John Shiels, Chief Executive, Manchester United Foundation said:  "It is not often that the Club's silverware is taken on to the pitch, but we had some very special visitors to Old Trafford yesterday, and we thought it fitting that they were given a special opportunity.  Manchester United is committed to supporting the local community and these four charities were chosen as the Club's partners for their excellent work in the local area.  The money will make a real difference to people's lives and we are delighted that the team's success on the pitch can make this huge contribution to the good work we do off the pitch. ”

An FA spokesman said: "Every year The FA distributes almost £1 million from the proceeds of The FA Community Shield to the teams competing in the previous season's FA Cup, which are used by the clubs to provide much-needed assistance for charities and community schemes in their local areas. It is an excellent way for football to help those who need it most."