United for Childhood
21 November 2007
Manchester United and The Children's Society marked the launch of an exclusive national three-year partnership this week, by taking children and young people to meet the first team players at their Carrington training ground.
To celebrate the launch of the partnership, 24 Children and young people from Lancashire Children's Rights in Preston, Safe in the City in Manchester, St Christopher's in Solihull and Unity in Partington got meet their heroes and watch them training including Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.
The Children's Society has been selected by Manchester United as one of two national partners alongside four local charities. The six charities are the Club's preferred charity partners on an exclusive basis in the UK.(1)
David Gill, Chief Executive of Manchester United explained: "Our new partnerships will enable us to work with our chosen charities to raise a significant amount of money throughout the three-year period and support a number of important projects. We are extremely proud of these partnerships and the young people who will be supported."
Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted at this fantastic opportunity to work with Manchester United to showcase and highlight the work of The Children's Society and The Good Childhood Inquiry. We're delighted to have been awarded this premier partnership."
As part of their commitment to ensuring a good childhood for all children, Manchester United are supporting The Children's Society's Good Childhood Inquiry. Manchester United is currently inviting fans and supporters to submit their favourite childhood memory to The Children's Society's Hundreds and Thousands campaign. The charity wants to learn about people's best childhood experiences so that children today can benefit from them. The memories will be submitted to the Inquiry to help make childhood better in the UK.(2)
Notes to Editors:Pictures and logos available on request.
Media Enquiries:
Anil Ranchod at The Children's Society media office
Tel: 020 7841 4422
Rachael Pilsbury at Manchester United Foundation
Tel: 0161 868 8120
ยท The Children's Society is a national charity driven by the belief that every child deserves a good childhood. To that end we provide vital help and understanding for those children who face the greatest danger, discrimination or disadvantage; children who are unable to find the support they need anywhere else. Our network of projects helps over 50,000 children and their families each year. Through our pioneering research and influential campaigning, we defend, safeguard and protect the childhood of all children. More information on the partnership here.
1. The partnerships between Manchester United and its preferred charity partners are managed by Manchester United Foundation. The Foundation was set up in 2006 to celebrate 50 years of the Club playing in Europe. The Foundation uses the passion for Manchester United to benefit communities and inspire young people. The Charity Partners are:
National: The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and The Children's Society
North West: Francis House Children's Hospice; The New Children's Hospital Appeal; Rainbow House; Christies Hospital
2. As part The Good Childhood Inquiry, The Children's Society is collecting Hundreds and Thousands of memories to capture the good things that have been lost to childhood today. The UK is the worst country in the developed work to grow up in, according to recent UNICEF research. Everyone can help make real change by sharing their favourite childhood memory at www.hundredsandthousands.org.uk