Young people supported by Manchester United Foundation received an incredible gift from club partner Paul Smith as part of a special employability session at Old Trafford.

Participants from a variety of Foundation projects, all in their late teens and preparing to make their first steps into employment or higher education, were selected for this wonderful opportunity as a reward for their achievements with the Foundation.

Paul Smith, the Official Formal Wear Partner of Manchester United, supported the group of 13 young people taking part in the workshop at the Theatre of Dreams by providing them with a brand-new coat and allowing them to tap into the expertise of staff from the premium fashion brand.

The gift ensures that each young person will look and feel the part as they explore their next opportunities. Those in attendance also enjoyed a session in the Foundation’s Skills Lab at Old Trafford, exploring teamwork, positive communication skills and more, alongside a stadium tour and, of course, their gift from Paul Smith.

One of the recipients, Joe, is a former participant at our pan-disability football programme, Ability Counts, and is now a regular volunteer across Foundation programmes.

Joe, 19, sporting an indie look with a classic brown trench coat, said: “Wearing coats like these makes you feel like you’re in a different world – like a million dollars! It feels so nice wearing these clothes; you feel good about yourself and it expresses how you feel, and I love to do that.

“Wearing this, I feel like a coach – I feel like I’m coaching my own team right now. I feel very good about myself; I feel tall, passionate, happy – there are so many things going through my mind, it’s crazy. I want to thank Paul Smith; I love everything about the coat.”

Arash, 17, first engaged with the Foundation as a participant at our community football programme, Street Reds, where he is now a volunteer.

Arash said: “It's a pleasure being a part of this event, because Paul Smith is a famous, luxurious brand. I feel really grateful.

“This is an opportunity I’ll never forget; it’s a really good one for me as well to experience different pathways.”

Feryal, a partner school pupil at Whalley Range High School who has an interest in textiles and fabrics, was enamoured with her vibrant pink coat, which she believes will inspire her to continue pursuing her passion.

She said: “This has made me feel incredible; it’s a big honour for me. You can tell the quality of the coat is amazing, the colour, everything.

“I want to thank Paul Smith for this great coat. I enjoy knitting, which is linked to fabrics, so it’s supporting me to carry on and produce nice things like this.”

Skills Lab co-ordinator Eddie Griffiths concluded: “Today is a first for many, working with a professional fashion industry. It’s looking at the tailoring and how they can wear their coats appropriately, but it has a much bigger message than that: the readiness for their next step.

“Yes, they can wear their coats formally, but it’s what comes with that, like a big event or a job interview. It helps them hold themselves with that bit more confidence, which is a helpful skill for any young person.”