Young people from Manchester United Foundation partner high school Copley Academy had the pleasure of welcoming Reds legend Michael Carrick into their assembly this month.
Carrick, fresh from appearing in United Legends’ away game to Celtic in the same week, visited to donate 120 back-to-school packs to newly enrolled year-7 students, through his own charitable venture, The Michael Carrick Foundation.
The packs, which were handed out by Carrick himself, included school essentials such as a rucksack, pencil case, water bottle, hats and gloves. Carrick also addressed the year group in an assembly, giving advice about starting a new school and new opportunities.
Carrick said: “Going to a new school is a massive step, it can be daunting, so to give the young people the feeling that it’s okay and provide the equipment, it’s massively fulfilling, and it’s great to see the smiles on their faces when you chat with them.
“I used to play football – a long time ago now, it seems! – and some of the students may know that and others not. But it’s not about that, it’s about showing our support. The responsibility everyone from the Foundation takes to help provide for younger people is incredible and I’m really proud to be involved with it.”
Ruth Craven, Copley Academy headteacher, said: “Today has been amazing, for such a successful figure as Michael Carrick to come here and take his time to speak to our students, they have just felt over the moon and so proud to be part of this event.
“Getting prepared for school and paying for equipment and clothing comes at a cost that some families do struggle with. Receiving those items today, the bag and all the resources, the students are so grateful. We’d like to thank the Michael Carrick Foundation, all the students feel really valued.”
The materials were handed out to all year-7 students, with many avid Reds among the school’s group. We caught up with two of the students, both of whom revealed that their parents would be jealous of the chance to meet Carrick!
Oliver, 11, said: “Words can’t describe how big of a United fan I am – today has been crazy, meeting Michael Carrick, I never thought I’d be in the same room as him!
“My family are going to say, ‘Wow, that’s crazy!’ We got a bag of school supplies full of pencils, water bottles, hats, it made me feel really happy.”
Meanwhile, Thea, 11, said: “I met Michael Carrick today and I’m really happy! I didn’t think anything like this would happen at school.
“It’s been really cool to receive these gifts and it will help me feel more confident in myself going forwards to do things that I’ve never done before.”