Manchester United Foundation participants met their Reds heroes on a sun-soaked afternoon at Carrington, with Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee and a host of their team-mates joining the youngsters for a series of sporting activities.

The Reds had their skills put to the test in a range of summer sport-style games – more familiar to some than others! – as they were pitted against, and alongside, participants from the Foundation’s Street Reds and Primary Reds programmes.

Golf, cricket, lacrosse, tennis and, of course, football were on the agenda as part of a special day harnessing the spirit of communities from all over Manchester, aligning with the forthcoming Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May) and its theme this year: how being part of a safe and positive community supports mental health and wellbeing.

“We’ve been playing some games with the kids – I found out I’m not very good at cricket!” joked captain Fernandes.

“It was a good day to enjoy with them and see the smiles on their faces. “At that age, they have to enjoy their lives, have some fun, make some friends, that’s the most important thing for their wellbeing.”

Zirkzee added: “As a kid, I would have dreamed of getting an opportunity like this. It’s always important to give back to the community, I think that’s what brings us together and keeps the connection alive. As you can see, we’ve had a lot of fun and it’s been an amazing day.”

More than 20 of the youngsters taking part attend Street Reds sessions all over Greater Manchester, the Foundation’s community football project, powered by the Premier League Kicks programme, which allows for free football opportunities for 8-18 year olds.

Meanwhile, pupils from three of our partner primary schools – Claremont Primary School, Forest Gate Academy and Partington Central Academy – were also involved on the day, as participants of the Premier League Primary Stars programme, which inspires children to be active and develop important life skills through the power of football.

Grace, a Street Reds participant at Stretford Sports Village, said: “It was really special today, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Zirkzee golf with us, he was really nice and chatty. Being personal with the players and being so close to them was great - they were all really lovely and nice to talk to.”

Kani, a pupil at Claremont Primary School, added: “I thought the players were really cool. When I go back to school, I’ll say, ‘I met Casemiro!’ and my class will be like, ‘No way!’ I always wanted to meet him for all my life. Today has made me so thrilled.”