Manchester United Foundation and the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation have teamed up to launch a new community football project in Moss Side, Manchester, aimed at empowering youth through sports and mentorship. Known as Sir Bobby’s Street Reds, this initiative serves as a lasting legacy to the legendary former England footballer, Sir Bobby Charlton.
The program, which offers free football provision, is run by coaches from the Manchester United Foundation and is funded by the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation. The launch event took place at Manchester Academy in Moss Side, where former Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney joined in the celebration of this new project in honor of Sir Bobby.
More than 50 young people from diverse backgrounds came together at the launch event to participate in a football tournament. Following the games, the children were presented with trophies and footballs, symbolizing Sir Bobby’s belief that “the greatest gift a child could receive is a ball.” Alex Stepney, a former teammate and friend of Sir Bobby, expressed his delight at being part of the event, highlighting Sir Bobby’s lifelong dedication to helping children through football.
The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, known for its work in improving the lives of those affected by war and conflict, has been a longstanding partner of the Manchester United Foundation. Through their collaboration, the Sir Bobby’s Street Reds program now provides a safe and inclusive space for children in Moss Side, including many refugee children, to engage in the sport they love.
Stephen Cross, chair of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, emphasized the significance of supporting Sir Bobby’s Street Reds, stating that it aligns with Sir Bobby’s vision of creating opportunities for young people through football. The funding provided by the foundation aims to continue Sir Bobby’s legacy of using the power of sport to make a positive impact in the lives of children affected by conflict.
The choice of Moss Side as the location for the program holds special meaning, as it reflects Sir Bobby and Lady Norma’s visit to Manchester Academy in 2016 to launch the foundation’s partnership with the school. The school, which boasts a diverse student body representing over 70 nationalities, serves as a fitting setting for Sir Bobby’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
John Shiels, chief executive of the Manchester United Foundation, noted that Sir Bobby’s passion for the game and its ability to foster physical, mental, and social growth in young people inspired the creation of Street Reds. The program offers a safe environment for children to come together and play football, embodying Sir Bobby’s dedication to using the sport as a tool for personal development and community cohesion.
Street Reds is just one of the many initiatives offered by the Manchester United Foundation, with 23 sites across Greater Manchester and beyond providing free evening football sessions for 8–18-year-olds. Supported by the Premier League, these sessions not only offer young people the chance to improve their skills and gain qualifications but also contribute to building stronger communities in areas facing economic challenges.
The Impact of Street Reds
Sir Bobby’s Street Reds program has already begun to make a positive impact on the youth in Moss Side, providing them with a supportive environment to develop their football skills and build relationships with their peers. By offering free football provision and mentorship from experienced coaches, the program aims to empower young people and instill in them the values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Through their participation in the program, children from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to come together, form friendships, and learn valuable life skills that will benefit them both on and off the field. The sense of camaraderie and community spirit fostered by Street Reds reflects Sir Bobby’s belief in the unifying power of sports to bring people together and create positive change.
Sir Bobby’s Enduring Legacy
Sir Bobby Charlton’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the football pitch, as evidenced by his lifelong commitment to charitable work and helping those in need. Through initiatives like Sir Bobby’s Street Reds, his legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to embrace the values of kindness, compassion, and generosity that he embodied throughout his life.
As the Street Reds program continues to grow and expand its reach, it serves as a testament to Sir Bobby’s enduring impact on the community and his dedication to using sport as a force for good. By providing young people with opportunities to engage in sports, develop valuable skills, and build meaningful relationships, Street Reds exemplifies Sir Bobby’s vision of creating a better world through the power of football.
In conclusion, Sir Bobby’s Street Reds program represents a shining example of how sports can be used as a tool for empowerment, mentorship, and community building. Through the collaborative efforts of the Manchester United Foundation and the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, this initiative is creating positive change in the lives of young people in Moss Side and beyond, carrying forward Sir Bobby’s legacy of compassion, resilience, and hope.