A group of Manchester United Academy players joined pupils from the Foundation’s partner schools for a series of anti-racism workshops delivered by Show Racism the Red Card during Black History Month.

10 young Reds from the club’s Academy were present to help the students come up with ideas for combating racism and discrimination, in activities which coincided with Show Racism the Red Card’s annual ‘Wear Red Day’ event.

The pupils also enjoyed a visit and a short talk from club legend Bryan Robson, a longstanding supporter of our work, and Show Racism the Red Card.

Coming from 10 of the Foundation’s partner schools, the youngsters spent the day at United’s Carrington Training Ground, splitting into groups to develop ideas alongside the players on how to implement inclusivity and equality in their communities, before presenting back to the wider group.

First-year scholar Reece Munro said: “There’s a lot of diversity in all the schools and they have identified problems and challenges they might face. They’ve all got their own ideas and it’s been really good to work with them.

“It’s character-building for ourselves,” the defender continued. “Being able to speak in front of other people and other groups and being more confident in ourselves, as well as learning about these problems and helping the community as well.”

Fellow youngster, Harry Amass, added: “It’s good because the young people are learning about diversity and racism. They’re learning and understanding that we’re all the same, so it’s really good to see everyone together.”

As well as immersing themselves in the activities, the Academy players also enjoyed a kick-about with the school pupils, as well as answering questions, signing autographs and posing for selfies.

Waterhead Academy pupil Glory, 13, was overjoyed by the experience – taking so much from meeting the Academy players, being at Carrington and participating in the workshops.

“Today really showed equality to everyone and I really liked that,” Glory said. “It was very educative and it can really inspire other people to make the world a better place.

“I was really gassed meeting the Academy players! I made a connection with one or two of them, I’m really happy and very overwhelmed by meeting them.”

Taliyah, 13, from Co-op Academy North Manchester, also took inspiration from meeting the young Reds. She said: “We’ve learnt so many different things about racism within the community and in school.

“The Under-18s players also helped us with a poem about racism. It’s been a real experience meeting players who could be the future of Manchester United.”

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism charity which celebrated 25 years in 2021.

The charity’s North West manager, Keziah Major, said: “We love working with Manchester United Foundation. We use football as a hook to engage children and being able to bring the Academy players down has had such a huge impact on the school children; it’s been a phenomenal day.”