Former Manchester United players donate £2000 to youngsters World War One commemorative football match

The pupils from Stretford High School ran out 3-0 winners against a community team from Monchengladbach at The Cliff training facility in December. The game was just one of a number of World War One activities organised courtesy of a collaboration between the school, Manchester United Foundation and Trafford Council. 

The £2,000 donation came from notable AFMUP members Alan Wardle (Chairman), Jim Elms, Alan Gowling, Denis Law and Wilf McGuiness who visited Stretford High School to hand over the cheque.

During the visit the former players congratulated the team on their footballing ability and offered some tips along with some words of encouragement. The Stretford High School pupils were also keen to find out the best player the former United stars had ever played with, in which most were in agreement of the late George Best.

Former United striker Denis Law was keen to wish the Stretford pupils luck in the upcoming fixture, “It was excellent to meet the squad and wish them luck for the second leg. I hope that the boys enjoyed it as much as we did.”

Former Manchester United player and manager, Wilf Mcguinness said, “It’s been a really enjoyable morning. The boys might not all become good footballers but they will become good people.”

Chris Hirst, Teacher from Stretford High explained how the project has had a really positive impact on the children. He said, “They are more focused, they are achieving more and their grades have gone up."

Kayde, a member of the squad and pupil at Stretford High School said, “It’s has been fantastic meeting all the ex-players, its taught me it’s not just about football and that it’s important to concentrate on school as well. You can have fun but keep your head down”