Dungannon + Sperrin View Special School

The idea for the Dungannon Supporters’ Club was borne at the 1976 FA Cup final when secretary Ian Hall, inspired by the success of the Maltese Supporters’ Club, thought, “Why can’t we have one in Northern Ireland?”

Starting with only two fans, the Dungannon branch today has over 400 members. Impressive for a town of only 16,000 people that sits 40 miles west of Belfast. This year the branch is entering its 45th season and has previously been visited and endorsed by the likes of Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Bryan Robson.

As part of the United for the Children campaign, the Dungannon branch decided to raise funds for a charity close to their local community by selecting Sperrin View Special School.

Ian said: “One of our committee members has a daughter at a special school in Dungannon and we thought this would be the ideal charity to support.

“They’re dealing with children of all ages with severe physical and mental disabilities, and it’s quite a large school in our town.

“The vice principal took us on a tour around the school, which was fascinating for everyone, and it let our members know what the money was going towards.”

Ian added: “[The United for the Children campaign] is an unbelievable gesture by the club and the Foundation; people don’t realise we have a Foundation doing what it does. In fact, one of the Foundation disability coaches is a member of our branch and we’re very proud!”

Ruth Walker, Vice Principal at Sperrin View Special School also praised the efforts of the local supporters’ branch and the funds they have raised for the school. Ruth said: “I would really like to thank Manchester United and particularly Dungannon Supporters’ Club for their lovely gift. We’re delighted to get it and will put it to really good use.”

Click here to find out more about joining the Dungannon Supporters’ Club.