“Now hold on! You said go and we weren’t ready!” exclaims Joshua Zirkzee with a smile. It’s suddenly become very competitive at Manchester United Foundation’s Skills Lab, based inside the club’s museum, as two teams of Foundation participants – led by none other than Jonny Evans and the aforementioned Dutch forward - compete for supremacy in the Pass The Ball Challenge.

In this challenge, teams have to throw the ball to each person in the group, ensuring everyone touches it, but without passing to the person immediately to your left or right. The quickest to go round each individual wins. On this occasion, Foundation coaches accept Zirkzee’s protestations to allow a rematch, but his team prove no match for the group led by our legendary Northern Irish defender.

The activity forms part of the many different workshops and opportunities offered at the Skills Lab, which aims to provide unique and fun learning experiences focusing on areas such as unlocking potential, leadership and dealing with the big occasion.

In this very special Skills Lab session, Jonny and Josh joined in with a number of activities before discussing with the group about how they handle big moments and manage pressure.

The group, all from Foundation partner high schools and preparing for their GCSEs, took great enjoyment listening to the two Reds talk about the scrutiny and pressures that come with playing for Manchester United, and how they deal with it.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with them,” Joshua enthused. “They asked me some really great questions and I hope they’ve learnt something from me and Jonny; it’s really nice that the Foundation give them a feeling that they are part of the club.

“There’s always pressure in life, and it’s never easy to deal with,” he added. “I told them that you need to have belief in yourself and get support from those around you.”

“I was gobsmacked when the players came in!” Alliyha, one of the participants in attendance, told us.

“Josh and Jonny were both so down to earth and normal and it was amazing for them to join in with us and answer our questions. Both of them were very different, but both competitive. They both wanted to win!

“I loved the different activities that we did today” she added. they were confidence building and also really enjoyable to do – obviously having Jonny and Josh there made it extra special.”

While we can’t promise that there will be members of our men’s team squad there when you visit, the Skills Lab is open to all groups and has worked with young people from around the world!

“Today’s been fantastic,” Michael Brewster, Skills Lab Manager, said.

“The Skills Lab gives young people a completely different angle on learning key skills and developing as individuals - we work with groups from as close as Stretford, and as far away as Singapore. There is something for everyone!

“It’s been great to see students from our partner schools enjoy the activities we offer, and of course having the players here only goes to elevate the impact of what we’re doing here; I’m sure the kids will have taken away a lot from today.”

Skills Lab sessions can be booked for travelling parties by e-mailing education@mufoundation.org.