Manchester United Foundation hosted a dinner at the House of Commons for MPs of Greater Manchester constituencies to discuss its impact in local communities.
The Foundation is the associated charity of Manchester United Football Club and works across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, offering educational, outreach and a range of Premier League-funded programmes to provide young people with positive opportunities and aspirations for the future.
In the 2023/24 season, the Foundation was proud to have generated £50,392,636 in social and economic value – a figure calculated by Substance, an independent research company.
This means that for every £1 spent, the Foundation generated £10.33 of social and economic value for the communities in which it serves. This figure, along with the Foundation’s impact and vision, was discussed during a parliamentary dinner at the House of Commons.
Sponsored by Andrew Western, MP for Stretford and Urmston, the dinner was attended by members of the Foundation board, representatives from the Premier League – which funds many of the Foundation’s programmes – and MPs from Greater Manchester constituencies including Conor Rand, of Altrincham and Sale West; Lisa Smart, of Hazel Grove; and Mike Kane, of Wythenshawe and Sale East.
Collette Roche, chair of the Foundation board and chief operating officer of Manchester United FC, said: “It was fantastic to get a group of like-minded people round the table for our House of Commons dinner.
“It is of great value to discuss the Foundation’s impact and vision with local MPs who are able to see first-hand the difference made in their communities.”
Andrew Western said: “I was delighted to join members of the Manchester United Foundation board and fellow Greater Manchester constituents to discuss the hard work and impact taking place in our communities.
“It was especially beneficial to hear their plans for the future, and understand their passion and commitment to young people, schools and projects across the areas in which we govern. I look forward to seeing the continuation of this work, and growth in community relationships going forward.”
Across the 2023/24 season, the Foundation impacted 42,178 children across Greater Manchester and beyond – with outreach programmes and partnerships also in London, Carlisle and Northern Ireland. Over 39,000 hours were delivered by dedicated coaches at 117 projects, cumulating in 519,570 free-of-charge attendances of young people aged five to 18.
Last season, the Foundation also invested £100,000 in 22,000 warm clothing items as one of several methods to combat the cold winter months for those in need. This year, the charity plans to replicate this provision with another £100,000 investment into resources to help young people and families stay warm.
Collette concluded: “The Foundation continues to surpass its reach and social impact value year-on-year, having an unequivocal influence on young people and communities, and we are proud to be leading a wide-reaching winter appeal once again, supporting those in need through the colder months, providing warm items and letting people know they are not alone.
“There is a real sense of everyone pulling together for a greater good, and we look forward to working together in the future.”
To find out more about Manchester United Foundation, its impact and programmes, visit www.mufoundation.org/about