Foundation launch Annual Report

The launch of the Foundation’s 4th Annual Report took place at Manchester Town Hall at the event attended by Manchester United players John O’Shea and Jonny Evans, as well as club directors and former player Sir Bobby Charlton.

The Manchester United Foundation is now in its fifth year and the organisation’s Chief Executive John Shiels used the launch to thank local businesses, fundraisers, stakeholders and participants for their contribution in 2010. Highlights from the Annual Report include that:

- Nearly 100,000 local young people benefited from Foundation programmes in 2010.
- The ‘Something to Chew On’ healthy lifestyle programme reached almost 21,000 children, with an increase of 27% of those surveyed feeling more positive about eating fruit and vegetables after the programme.
- Crime has been reduced by up to 25% in areas where the Foundation runs community cohesion programmes.

John Shiels, Manchester United Foundation Chief Executive said, “This launch is about thanking all those who were involved with the Foundation in 2010 and showing you the success and results that we have achieved with the help of local people”

Performing on the night were the Foundation’s Youth Choir, made up from young people from across the Foundation’s ‘Hubs’.  The choir performed three songs in front of the audience and chatted afterwards to Manchester United current and former team players, John O’Shea, Jonny Evans and Sir Bobby Charlton.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture & Leisure at Manchester Council formally opened the event.  “With similar objectives in education, health and in our work with young people, it made sense for Manchester Council to support the Manchester United Foundation in their programmes.  Although this year will be a challenging year for us all, we have no doubt that the Foundation will build on its achievements across the last twelve months and end 2011 on a high.”

You can view the report by clicking on the link on the right hand pane.