Pupils from eight schools across Greater Manchester enjoyed question and answer sessions with Paul Scholes and goalkeepers David de Gea, Anders Lindegaard and Sam Johnstone before being presented with signed certificates for their academic achievements this term.
Star midfielder Scholes shared some sound advice with the pupils by telling them to always put their studies first, before joking that his only pre-match superstition is to have a meal of coco pops followed by beans on toast!
Derice Hendrickson, a Year 7 pupil from Stretford High School who was picked for excelling in his English lessons, said, “It’s breath-taking being here today and meeting Paul Scholes; he’s one of my favourite players. I found it interesting that he said he likes to help out the others if they are struggling.”
15 year-old Lukman Balogun who attends Manchester Enterprise Academy in Wythenshawe moved to England from Nigeria in September. “I am a die-hard fan; I love all of the team,” he commented. “It’s wonderful to be here, I am very happy to meet the players and they gave us good answers to our questions.”
Following the visit Danish keeper Lindegaard said, “It is great to meet some of the kids and get involved with the Manchester United Foundation. There were some really good questions; it seemed that they had really put an effort in, which makes the whole thing even better.” He continued, “It is interesting to meet young people who want to be a goalkeeper as we can pass on advice but I think the most important thing for all young players to remember is to just have fun!”
Astley Sports College, Broadoak School, Burnage Media Arts College, Irlam and Cadishead College, Manchester Enterprise Academy, Manchester Health Academy, New Charter Academy and Stretford High School are all part of the Foundation’s Hub of the Community project, which provides full time Community Development Officers to work with students at the school and feeder primary schools to build relationships in the surrounding area. Find out more.
To view more images from the visits please see our Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/VF3ToP