Manchester United Foundation to receive proceeds from Wayne Rooney Testimonial

The United captain has set up his own Foundation aimed at improving and inspiring the lives of children and young people. Selected alongside three other charities, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Claire House Children’s Hospice and the NSPCC, Manchester United Foundation will use monies generated to continue its work with young people across Greater Manchester.

Rooney has been a great supporter of Manchester United Foundation over the years, meeting children with life-limiting illnesses at Dream Day events and delivering Christmas presents to young patients during annual hospital visits across Greater Manchester. More recently he has also been involved in the #SchoolsUnited initiative, which celebrates the work of the Foundation within the local community.

Speaking about the testimonial, Rooney said: “I owe United and Everton everything for giving me my footballing opportunities. Through the Wayne Rooney Foundation I want to give something back and, at the same time, say a heartfelt thanks to everyone at these great clubs who have ever helped me in my career.“

On why giving back is so important to him, the Reds star added: “Everton and United, along with my family, gave me the support and opportunity to help me achieve my goals and dreams. Having a young family of my own makes me realise it’s vital that every child gets the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support to give them a chance of fulfilling their potential.“

Manchester United Foundation chief executive, John Shiels, said, “Lending his support to various initiatives, Wayne Rooney has become an inspirational role model for our participants.  We are therefore delighted to enter into this partnership with our club captain, working together to change the lives of young people across Greater Manchester.”