The Manchester United first-team coach and former midfielder funds projects at both foundations, through his own charity set up following his testimonial in 2017.

Carrick’s Street Reds in Old Trafford and Carrick’s Kicks in Newcastle offer free football sessions and opportunities for young people through Manchester United Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation respectively.  The projects are also run in association with the Premier League’s national Kicks initiative.

45 young people from across both projects visited Stretford Sports Village to take part in a variety of inclusive games such as Boccia and goal ball, then finished with a game of football. All participants were then given a tour of Manchester United’s museum and stadium. 

Philippa Harrison, community engagement manager at Manchester United Foundation, said, “This is the first activity we’ve run in partnership with one of Michael Carrick Foundation’s other projects and it’s been brilliant to get young people from the Trafford area meeting other young people who they wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to meet. Hopefully this season we will take a group to Newcastle as well to get involved in activity over there.”

Philippa also praised the support from Michael Carrick and his foundation: “He’s part and parcel of the partnership; he has a kick about with the kids and gets really involved. The partnership has developed a lot over the past 18 months where they continue to deliver not only here, but with Newcastle United Foundation as well.”

Jonny Larkin, senior PL Kicks coordinator from Newcastle United Foundation, also championed the day: “Coming down to a place like Manchester United, it’s a huge thing. Driving past the stadium the kids were naming players, positions; it’s huge for them to be down here and of course look forward to the football competition.”

When asked about the Streets Reds and Kicks projects he said, “Football and sport is a universal thing, an instant connection of socialness and belonging. You are able to see the young people grow, develop and improve their personal skills like communication.  For some young people Kicks is the best few hours of their week; it’s a safe environment where they can learn, try new things and express themselves.”

Carrick’s Street Reds is one of 11 sessions run by Manchester United Foundation across Greater Manchester. The programme offers free, evening sessions and alternative activities for young people aged 8-19, with the opportunity to learn new skills and gain qualifications in a supportive and positive environment.

When asked about the partnership, Michael Carrick said, “Since setting up the Foundation, it’s been one of our goals to bring programme participants together from Manchester and Newcastle. Seeing this come to life is a really proud moment for us all at the Foundation and we’re thrilled that the participants got so much from the day too.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Manchester United Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation for coming together for the day and for their ongoing support.”

Scott, who has been attending Old Trafford Street Reds for the past five years, said, “When I first came to Street Reds I thought it was a really good experience for young people to just be playing football and doing what they enjoy.”

He continued, “Today has been good having people come down from Newcastle; it was good to play football with them and get to know new people. It feels good to represent Manchester United while playing football with new people. Michael Carrick has been to Street Reds at Old Trafford and played football with us; it was lovely to meet him.”

Find out more about Street Reds here.