From Wythenshawe to Wembley

Six youngsters from Wythenshawe were given star treatment at Wembley courtesy of Reds star Wayne Rooney.

From Wythenshawe to Wembley

Six lucky teens from Manchester were given the trip of a lifetime when they were invited to an FA Cup Semi Final at Wembley stadium as guests of their United hero Wayne Rooney. The trip was a reward for all the hard work and determination the young people have put in at school.

With the prospect of a scintillating all Manchester derby the youngsters, lead by their coaches Dave Chapman and Nick Bradshaw, made their way to the home of English football to watch the game from the comfort of Rooney’s own box. Upon arrival they received various gifts including a United shirt with Rooney’s name on the back, a personalised letter and autograph from Wayne and an Xbox 360 games console with games. Whilst the gifts had left them beaming, they hadn’t bargained for a visitor during the first team warm up. So when the man himself called in for a photo and a chat it certainly took them by surprise. Dave Chapman said, “They went really quiet when Wayne showed up. It was a real shock. They couldn’t believe it.”

The young people were selected from two of the Foundation's ‘Hub of the Community’ schools for their exemplary behaviour and determination to achieve. One shining example was Talia Plant, whose 100% attendance for five years in a row helped her to top the classes at the Manchester Enterprise Academy. Representing the boys was Nathan Prince whose determination to gain a grade C in Maths saw him attending every after-school revision session, as well as helping to set up a rugby club at the Academy in his spare time. The Manchester United Foundation helped give these deserving youths a magical experience in return for all they have given to their school communities.

Despite the result, it was a day that will live long in the memory of the teens “it’s been a long day but all of them enjoyed themselves and had a fantastic experience they won’t forget” said Nick.