Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2024

The poignant event will once again present the opportunity for supporters to swap their bed for a sleeping bag for the night, and bed down under the Mancunian night sky overlooking the hallowed turf of the Theatre of Dreams.

For the past two years, United fans and club staff have come together with the aim of promoting awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness and the ongoing challenges faced by young people across local communities, whilst also raising money for Manchester United Foundation and youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint.

Manchester United Foundation’s Chief Executive John Shiels said: “We work with young people across the most socially deprived areas of Greater Manchester on a daily basis, and place intervention and prevention at the core of what we do. We strive to make a positive impact on the lives and futures of children and families, and initiatives like the Sleep Out helps us to do just that.

“Last year’s Sleep Out harnessed the togetherness of our communities and raised an incredible £40,000 for the Foundation and Centrepoint, which enables that pivotal intervention into the lives of vulnerable young people to continue.

“I have admiration for everybody willing to brave the freezing conditions and show solidarity with those who really need it, and I encourage as many of our incredible fans to take part and help us make a real difference.”

Julie Milnes, Fundraising Director at Centrepoint said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Manchester United Foundation for the third year in a row to hold a Sleep Out at the Old Trafford stadium. Half of all funds raised will go directly towards the work Centrepoint is doing to support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“Without aiming to replicate the experience of rough sleeping, a Sleep Out instead shines a light on the some of the challenges homeless young people experience. With one young person facing homelessness every four minutes, the event serves as a powerful call to action for change. By fundraising for Centrepoint you can help our rough sleeping and Helpline services in Manchester, as well as across the country. Together we can break the cycle of homelessness—once and for all.”

Between 2022-2023, Centrepoint found that 136,000 young people across the UK approached their council for help last year because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness, highlighting the desperate plight of many in our area and the need for events, and support, like this.

With the Foundation working with more than 39,000 young people in 2023/24 - delivering community and education programmes across Greater Manchester - the funds raised from the Sleep Out will change lives for the better and help both the Foundation and Centrepoint to provide these vital services to local young people.

Registration for the Old Trafford Sleep Out is £30 per person and all participants will be asked to pledge a minimum of £250 to support those in need.

To sign up to our Old Trafford Sleep Out, click here.

This year will also see a special addition to the event, with our global network of supporters’ clubs being encouraged to host their own Sleep Out, supporting a charity of their choice.

Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement for Manchester United, said: “Supporting the great work of the Foundation is something all our fans, wherever they are in the world, are passionate about. So, we are delighted to extend our Old Trafford Sleep Out to fans across the globe this year.

“All supporters are invited to set up their own Sleep Out in their local area and raise money to support a charity of their choice. Homelessness is an issue which affects communities all over the world but together we can make a difference and help provide support and funds to those in need.

“We are really excited to see the photos of Reds coming together for this important cause and we thank them for their incredible support”

Find out more about our Global Sleep Out by clicking here.