The Manchester United Foundation visited Ulster University recently to listen to hear how their work within the community has helped countless young people.
First launched in 2018, the link-up between the Foundation and Ulster University established the Premier League outfits' first overseas base.
The Foundation said the partnership has enabled students in the North West to enjoy the opportunity to develop business and entrepreneurial skills, increasing their engagement in education and giving them greater confidence in their own abilities.
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The Foundation’s work with Ulster University is part of wider plans to create a lasting impact on the local community in Derry, something highlighted by the launch of their latest partnership with Oakgrove Integrated College.
This partnership is the first with a school in Northern Ireland, and was marked by a day of sporting activities for the pupils and the opportunity to quiz a United legend in their own school hall, as Wes Brown fielded questions from the classes.
Katrina Crilly, school principal, said: “Today has been brilliant to see many months of hard work coming together for the start of something really exciting.
“Having Wes here to launch the partnership is simply phenomenal and there’s a real buzz around the school, both for what is going on here today but also for what the partnership promises for our school and feeder primaries. We’re so excited to be working with the Foundation.”
The school partnership will be overseen by Derry-Londonderry native and United fan Martin Smith, a Foundation coach based full-time in Oakgrove to work with the pupils and local community to build lasting relationships.
“It feels really special to be part of the Foundation’s first school partnership in Northern Ireland, especially as a local boy,” said Martin. “We’re passionate about impacting young lives through mentoring, leadership programmes, sport and much more, and it’s great to see the Foundation now doing this in Northern Ireland.
”We’ve got a lot of things planned and I can’t wait to get to work!“
Meanwhile, Ross, a university student who is studying cinematic arts and is part of the work placement programme, spoke to assembled guests at Ulster’s Magee Campus about his experiences with the programme.
“Being part of Manchester United Foundation has been a fantastic experience for me,” Ross said.
“I’ve had some incredible opportunities, including the chance to fly over to Manchester to attend and capture behind-the-scenes footage at the Legends of the North charity match.
”I also created a film for today’s event, and it was a pleasure to be able to showcase my work. Without the Foundation I simply would not have had these opportunities.“
The Ulster University student also presented a film he had made highlighting the work of the partnership - which included former Premier League winner Wes Brown.
”I’ve loved being over here in Derry, meeting the participants and seeing the work that we’re doing,“ Wes said.
”We’ve obviously done a lot of great work back home in Manchester, but United is a global club, so it’s fantastic to see the Foundation making an impact overseas too, particularly here in Northern Ireland, a country which has a strong connection with us.
“Ross’ video was absolutely brilliant and it’s great to see that the Foundation is giving students the opportunity to develop their skills and a platform to showcase their work.”
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