United players take part in Wythenshawe coaching session
The two players were invited by the Manchester United Foundation to reward students at MEA who have passed their Level 1 Coaching badge, or have recently impressed the teachers at the South Manchester secondary school.
The young coaches guided children from the local primary schools in a ‘skills and drills’ session and the Manchester United duo were quick to join in. Nick Powell demonstrated a scissor skill after Rebecca German from Haveley Hey showed the England U21 how it was done! And Jack McWhiter couldn’t resist showing off a ‘Cruyff turn’ to Alex Büttner.
After taking part in head tennis, passing drills, 3 v 3 and 2 v 2s the players took part in a Q&A session and completed their stay by handing out signed certificates to the entire group.
James Eldon, the Principal of Manchester Enterprise Academy was delighted by the impact the visit made: “The partnership with the Manchester United Foundation offers a host of opportunities for our students and our partner primary schools.” He added, “To meet a Manchester United player is a fantastic opportunity for students who can meet a hero and ask them questions about their career. It also recognises the coaching and leadership talent we have within the Academy. This has a huge motivational impact for both the students who met the players and for all our students who are proud to be linked to one of the most successful clubs in the world.”
Nick Powell said, “It was great to see the work Manchester United Foundation is doing in Wythenshawe. I had to take some coaching qualifications as part of my scholarship with Crewe Alexandra. I knew that if I didn’t do them to the best of my ability I’d lose out when my playing career was over and the pupils at the MEA have the same attitude. They’re making the most of the opportunities the Foundation is offering them and learning new skills that will hopefully help them in the future.”
Manchester United Foundation Coach, Nick Bradshaw who is based at MEA, said, “The pupils who were coaching were delighted with today’s visit because Manchester United players have actually taken part in a session they have organised. Alex and Nick joining in and giving the players the odd football tip really gave them all a massive boost, it’s something they will remember forever.”
Manchester Enterprise Academy is a partner school of the Foundation through our Hub of the Community programme. Find out more here.