Manchester United Foundation can trace its roots back to an idea, nearly 19 years ago, to create a lasting legacy to the trailblazing, exhilarating and, most importantly, youthful spirit of the Busby Babes. Established to provide support and enrichment to the young people of Manchester and beyond, the club’s associated charity leans heavily on the ethos embodied by Sir Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy’s fabled team: give youth a chance and it will flourish.

Of course, the Foundation’s work goes far beyond support on the pitch, providing opportunity and enrichment across community projects and schools. Participant Florence is a student at one of those schools, Middleton Technology School, and has benefitted from multiple elements of the Foundation’s delivery. Hailing from a family of passionate Reds, Florence has been brought up on tales of United’s storied past and it is a combination of these factors that made her want to address the assembled crowd at today’s memorial, explaining what Munich and the Busby Babes mean to a young Mancunian in 2026.

“It’s a story that’s always been in my family and I know exactly what it means to the club and how important it is to remember,” Florence said. “In my speech I wanted to talk about how the legacy of the Busby Babes inspires the Foundation’s work and how that has also helped and inspired me. I love being part of the Foundation and I’m really grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given, in and out of school.”

Florence has worked closely with her resident Foundation school partnership officer to develop her skills as a young leader and also represented her school in the Premier League Inspires Challenge, which supports participants in developing personal, social, employability and life skills. In addition, she is a regular face at football tournaments hosted by us at the club’s historic training ground, The Cliff, so few would be better placed to speak about how the Foundation uses the Busby Babes inspirational legacy to shape young lives.

“It was an honour for me to be able to speak at today’s memorial, representing the Foundation and the young people of Manchester. I was a bit nervous, but mainly I was just excited and very proud to be up there in front of all those United fans. It was an amazing experience and something I'll never forget."

Further afield, a group of six participants from the Foundation’s community football offering, Street Reds, flew out to Munich on Thursday to take part in the commemorations at Manchesterplatz on Friday.

The fourth of its kind, the trip rewards deserving participants with the opportunity to enjoy some amazing cultural experiences in the Bavarian capital, such as a visit to Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, whilst also representing the Foundation by laying a wreath at the memorial ceremony.

Florence’s speech: Munich's Enduring Legacy

Hello everyone,

My name is Florence. I am a 13-year-old student at Middleton Technology School, a partner of Manchester United Foundation. I am here today to talk to you about how the legacy of the Busby Babes lives on to this day.

For me, legacy means something that stays alive forever. The Busby Babes showed what young people can do by playing with courage, sticking together, and believing in themselves. Even though their story ended too soon, their spirit is still here at Old Trafford today, 68 years later.

This story has been passed down through my family. My grandad was just 10 years old when he heard the terrible news of the Munich Air Disaster. He was at home in his kitchen when a neighbour rushed in to tell his family what had happened. Ever since then, Munich has meant more than just history to us. It is something we remember and carry with us.

As a young Mancunian, and a girl who plays football myself, I have felt the support of Manchester United Foundation. The Foundation was created as a legacy to the Busby Babes, and it continues that legacy by supporting young people across Manchester and beyond to achieve their dreams – just as the club did with those players who we come here to honour. The Foundation have helped me grow, given me confidence, and made me believe in myself on and off the football pitch.

Legacy is also about opening doors. As a passionate United fan, I am so proud to see fans and all areas of the club represented here today to commemorate what the Busby Babes stood for. Including the women’s team, who show that girls like me can dream big and be part of this story too.

And what legacy do I want to leave? That football is for everyone, and that we play with courage, unity, and hope. Just like the Busby Babes did.