Those who follow the Reds will recognise the notion of a great Manchester United moment: a fusion of mental strength, spirit, unity and – crucially – magic. Throughout the club’s history, these moments are often reserved to on-pitch affairs, but the influence of United goes much further.

 

All these key ingredients were present when 12 young people from Manchester United Foundation’s partner schools, all of whom have shown significant resilience in their lives, were rewarded with the opportunity to embark on a residential trip to Cyprus, funded by the Foundation with support from the Cyprus Supporters’ Club.

 

In many cases, the youngsters were facing not only their first time on an aeroplane, but their first time out of Manchester, as they headed away on an action-packed five-day trip to a new country, which included a rope adventure park experience, a padel session with professional players and even a visit to a camel park!

“United is my life, my passion,” said Charalambos Loizou, the Cyprus Supporters’ Club secretary. “I live in Cyprus now, but I was born in Whitefield, and so I have a special connection to Manchester and recognise the huge impact United can, and should, have on local young people.

“After a conversation with [Foundation CEO[ John Shiels about how we as a Supporters’ Club could help the amazing work the Foundation does, it was agreed that we would host a deserving group from Manchester and give them a true Cypriot experience. It just goes to show the amazing things we can do when we come together as a club.”

As well as the aforementioned activities, the Cyprus Reds also gave the young people their first experience of playing padel, co-ordinated a private screening of a film at a local cinema, and treated the group to an amazing Cypriot banquet. Experiences that some of our young people are seldom afforded, which will no doubt leave a lasting positive impression.

 

“It’s been a truly unforgettable experience,” said the Foundation’s Life Skills Manager Niccola Massey, who led and organised the trip. “Every element of this week will be so impactful for the kids, whether it be the activities and pushing themselves to move out of their comfort zone, sampling new food, meeting new friends and even just being in another country; it really will be life-changing for them.”

“I also want to thank Charalambos, Demetris, Andreas and every single person from the Cyprus Supporters’ Club who helped us to make this trip happen. Their incredibly generous hospitality, enthusiasm and hard work was appreciated by us all – they are a credit to the club.”

 

Layton and Kaydi, two of the participants on the trip – who attend Dean Trust Rose Bridge in Wigan and Whalley Range High School, respectively – caught up with us at the airport as we prepared to return to Manchester, reflecting enthusiastically on a very memorable few days.

 

“We’ve done so many different things this week, I’ve loved it all and I’m really happy that I was able to come – it means a lot to have been picked,” Kaydi said. “I found the animals at the camel park very cute and it was really fun to be able to ride a camel.”

 

“I just can’t choose!” laughed Layton, when pushed to pick his favourite activity. “I think I’ll say padel! But I did love the rope park because I was nervous at first and I still did it.”

“I still can’t believe that I am here, really,” he added. “I love the Foundation because it wants to let kids like me have fun.”

 

A special trip with a group of special people, and memories to last a lifetime.