In partnership with accountancy firm Sedulo, Michael Carrick Foundation has provided stationery equipment, water bottles and restaurant vouchers to pupils, to help them enjoy the school holidays and prepare for high school in September. 

Michael visited Ringway Primary School to personally deliver the packs to the year six pupils, taking part in an assembly and even joining a kick about with 60 children. Packs were also distributed to St. Alphonsus RC Primary School in Stretford, St. Philips CE Primary School in Hulme, and Bredbury Green Primary School in Stockport.

Michael said: “It’s a big time in their lives, changing schools as a youngster, and it can be quite daunting at times, so if we can help by ensuring they have the right equipment and feel more prepared, then hopefully it will give them a little boost for the next chapter in their lives.”

Sam, a pupil at Ringway Primary School, said: “I’m a bit nervous about high school but it’s just the next chapter of your life! It was fun to meet Michael, and for him to help us out shows that he’s a really nice person.”

Jordanna Roberts, primary schools’ manager for Manchester United Foundation, said: “These packs are giving the children everything they need to have the best start when they transition onto high school – they’ll have one less thing to worry about, and they’ll be ready to go.

“At the Foundation we do as much preparation work as we can between our partner primary and secondary schools to get the children ready for this next step, and the partnership with Michael and his foundation is fantastic for our pupils in this way. We’ve done a lot of work with them now and they always seem to think of us first, which we always appreciate.”

Manchester United Foundation and Michael Carrick Foundation have been partnered since 2017, when money raised at Michael’s testimonial match helped to form his charity and fund MU Foundation’s Street Reds project in Old Trafford, offering free football and alternative activities to young people aged 8-19.

Michael Carrick Foundation first supported the back-to-school initiative during lockdown in 2020, when Michael visited young people on their doorsteps to provide the essential packs, and the two foundations continue to join forces to support children across Greater Manchester on a regular basis.

Michael concluded: “Helping children in different ways is something we’re passionate about in my own foundation. Manchester United Foundation has very similar goals and is incredible to work with, so if we continue to work together in this way then it’s great for the kids.”