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Reds stars visit Pioneer House

Pupils at the Foundation's partner SEND school Pioneer House enjoyed a memorable afternoon as Altay Bayindir, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui and Tom Heaton paid a surprise visit.

| by Nathan Thomas

There are some things that you probably don’t expect to experience when signing for Manchester United, and it’s safe to say that taking on a group of enthusiastic school children for game of dodgeball is probably one of them!

The match-up took place as part of a special visit from the four players, showcasing the work that the Foundation does at a local SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) school, based in nearby Northern Moor.

 

On arrival, the players were introduced to the students – groups from Key Stage 3, 4 and Sixth Form – in the assembly hall, who gave journalists a run for their money with some of their own questions! Topics on the agenda included: favourite moment in a United shirt and, one that caused much debate, favourite superheroes.

From there, it was time for a sporting match of a different kind – dodgeball! With Altay and Noussair on one team and Harry and Tom on the other, the game was nothing if not competitive!

"It’s been a really nice afternoon" Harry said. "To come to the school and see all the kids with big smiles on their faces was great. Playing dodgeball was a lot of fun and I loved the energy the kids had. 

 

“It’s really important (to support the Foundation). Ever since I came to this club – you have a huge responsibility on the pitch, but also off the pitch you have a big responsibility as well. The Manchester United Foundation is amazing, they’ve done amazing things over the years and whenever we can help them and spend time in schools or just to put smiles on kids’ faces is really important to us.

"This is the first time (I’ve been out in the community with the club) and for sure it won't be the last," Noussair added. "If I can make these kids this happy I’ll do this with all the love. The kids asked us questions that were not typical!" he laughed. "They were really open and the kids did not have boundaries, so it makes it even more special. It gives you a happy feeling!“

"At first I wanted to take it (dodgeball) easy, but then the competitiveness comes out of nowhere, especially when I saw Harry and Tom trying to get me so I had to step up my game!”

The Foundation delivers a wide-ranging inclusion programme which includes working in eight partner schools that specialise in working with young people living with special educational needs. Working in primary schools, high schools and colleges, full-time delivery officers facilitate opportunities for students to develop by taking part in sport and enrichment activities  

“Having a visit like this is honestly amazing for the kids,” Conor Muldoon, the Foundation’s SEND School Coordinator, said. “To see the players interact with them and make them feel special is incredible for them, and I loved how much of an interest the lads took in the work that we do. The kids loved it.” 

And we’ll leave the final word to participant, Alfie, who spoke to us about his favourite day at school, ever!

“I still can’t believe that players from Man United came into my school,” Alfie told us excitedly. “I love that my school can do this, bringing in really cool people. It was great being on the same team as Harry Maguire!”