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Treble winners Yorke and Blomqvist surprise young Reds

Young people from Manchester United Foundation projects received training sessions with a difference as former Reds Dwight Yorke and Jesper Blomqvist turned up to take over from their regular coaches.

| by Katie Newton

The pair took part in Foundation activities ahead of the legends game on 14th June, during which United veterans will take on Bayern Munich All Stars in a charity match at Old Trafford.  Dwight attended a girls’ football session at the stadium whilst 1999 team mate Jesper visited a Street Reds project in Ordsall.

After coaching the girls who play for United’s Centre of Excellence and giving shooting tips, the former star striker commented, “These girls are very talented; it’s been a great experience for me and great to interact with some young players.”

Regarding the legends game he continued, “The legends game is the only match that will get me to put my football boots on again; it’s for a wonderful cause and will raise a lot of money for the Foundation.  It should be a great occasion for everyone on the day.”

Later that afternoon, Jesper Blomqvist joined in with children at one of the Foundation’s nine Street Reds sessions, which aim to engage hard to reach young people across Greater Manchester at times when they may otherwise become involved with anti-social behaviour.

The ex-midfielder said, “This for me is what football is all about; just getting people together and having fun.  I think football is an important tool to help people to grow, learn new skills and make new friends – it’s fantastic.”

Jesper and Dwight will both return to Old Trafford on Sunday 14th June for the second leg of the legends match against Bayern Munich All Stars.  Manager Bryan Robson will lead the United team, which also includes Edwin van der Sar, Denis Irwin, Jaap Stam, Andrew Cole, Paul Scholes and many more.  There is all to play for after a 3-3 draw at the Allianz Arena last August and the event promises to be a fun-filled family day out.  There will be activities and a fun fair outside the stadium and a concert on the pitch pre-kick off with live music from top boyband Union J.