For a number of years now, the Foundation has been partnered with Rise, a competition that offers young people access to benefits including scholarships, mentorships and amazing career development opportunities.

The Foundation delivers the programme to students in their network of partner schools in Greater Manchester, but across the pond, Rithvik - a 17-year-old United fan from Texas - had been developing his own project.

“I had been creating my project, a writing-based pen pal app that connects rural Ugandan children with peers worldwide – helping to improve their digital literacy, language skills and broaden their global horizons - for a while. I always going to enter this to the Rise challenge, but then I saw the opportunity to apply for it through Manchester United Foundation’s online link!” he told us.

“I’ve been a fan of the club ever since my aunt bought me a United football 11 years ago,” he added. “I love the club and its association with developing young players – Rashford being my favourite – so to have the chance to connect with United was amazing!

“Thankfully, my project was selected as one of the 100 Global Winners selected from around the world; I’ve enjoyed chatting with Foundation coaches Michael and Eddie to refine my project, and I am so excited for the amazing opportunities that I know have access to, where I can further develop my work and have the chance to study at a university anywhere in the world!”

“I think this just shows the global power of Manchester United,” Michael Brewster the Foundation’s Rise Manager, said. “I’ve been so impressed by Rithvik’s project, and it’s been amazing to connect and support his journey – we’re all wishing him the best of luck with his work.”