- Pupils from Manchester United Foundation’s partner primary schools, mostly based across Manchester, take part in the first Daily Mile Santa Run at the Theatre of Dreams
- The young people were also involved in a festive celebration inside the stadium, which included taking part in special games and crafts
- Delivered with The Daily Mile Foundation, the Daily Mile promotes the importance of daily physical activity among children, and the
associated mental and social health benefits
Manchester United Foundation and The Daily Mile Foundation brought more than 200 primary school children together at Old Trafford as part of the very first Daily Mile Santa Run.
The festive iteration of the Daily Mile – a year-round initiative which promotes the importance of daily exercise among school children – encouraged Manchester United Foundation’s partner school pupils to complete several laps of the Reds’ famous home, whether by wheeling, walking or running several laps of the stadium’s perimeter.
Ahead of the festive period, the Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, took on a special twist – with a number of those taking part sporting Santa and elf-like outfits and later being invited inside the stadium to continue the celebrations with a series of themed activities and festive crafts. Children from across the region were met with snowballs, Christmas trees and a winter feel, which also included meeting Santa Claus and receiving festive gifts.
Collette Roche, Manchester United Foundation’s Chair of Trustees and Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer, also took part in the event.
She said: “It’s been such great fun running around with the 200 children that have been here at Old Trafford for the Daily Mile Santa Run.
“Some of the children that have come today might not get to experience Christmas in the same way that others do, so it’s been great fun getting them together, talking to them and doing a big warm-up, but more importantly, introducing them to the concept of making sure that they do daily exercise and keep healthy and fit.
“These young people are our fans, they are part of our community, and it’s great to do something with them at this time of year that’s so special.”
Gordon Banks, Global Director of The Daily Mile said: “Today, schools across the UK have given their Daily Mile a festive twist as part of the inaugural Daily Mile Santa Run. Whilst helping to get children into the festive spirit, we have also been able to emphasise the importance for all of us to keep active regularly, even during winter!
“By joining forces with Manchester United Foundation, we have provided a very special experience for nearly 200 local children at Old Trafford, making it a day they’ll be sure to remember.”
Rick Winstanley, a class teacher at St Alphonsus Primary School – a Manchester United Foundation partner school barely a mile away from Old Trafford – said: “Getting the kids out and about, running, and doing that daily fitness is fantastic for them. Some of these children have never been to Old Trafford before so it’s been a top day all-round.
“At this time of year, some of our families might be struggling. Coming out in the fresh air, having a good time and seeing the kids smiling and laughing has really given them a boost. Being able to come to Man United to do this run has set Christmas off brilliantly for them.”
More than 200 children were in attendance for the memorable festive experience, from across 29 of Manchester United Foundation’s partner primary schools. One of those schools, Meadowbank Primary School, is supported by both Manchester United Foundation and INEOS.
Meadowbank pupil, Malachi, (7), said: “I enjoyed it because I’m a really big Manchester United fan – I enjoyed the snowball throwing! It made me feel good and it made me feel like I’m starting to get a bit healthier.”
Manchester United Foundation works in over 30 partner primary schools, delivering educational programmes and providing unique enrichment that utilises the unique power and appeal of Manchester United. Each season the Foundation hosts festive activity for children from its partner schools and projects either at Old Trafford or elsewhere, to provide enrichment to deserving students.
The Daily Mile is a global movement, with five million children across the world registered to participate. It’s a simple, free, and fun model where children can run, wheel or walk around the school grounds for 15-minutes every day, at their own pace.