Manchester United host Academy Parent's Conference
Over two hundred parents attended the recent Manchester United Parent’s Academy Conference, which was designed to assist them in supporting their children while they are on their journey through our Academy.
The two-day conference, which encompassed workshops and talks from experts in the field, is the second that United have hosted, and was open to family members of children and young people who are registered with the Academy between the ages of nine and 21.
This was also the first time the club have been able to host such a large-scale event since the COVID pandemic, and organisers were dedicated to ensuring that attendees got the best experience possible.
Guest experts on these days included former Teacher of the Year, Phil Beadle, and social media expert and sports journalist, Cathy Wood. Avengers Media were also on-site to deliver a series of common scenarios between children and their parents and guide the attendees on how best to deal with them.
In addition to interactive activities, footage of previous success stories was also utilised to inspire and motivate children and their parents alike.
Anthony Elanga, whose rise from Academy starlet to first-team regular is well documented, is a prime example of how hard work in the Academy pays off.
Footage of Anthony’s journey from an under-developed 13-year-old to the Champions League reminds those currently in the Academy, and their parents, of our message: The journey is never linear and high achievement always comes as a by-product of learning from setbacks and failure.
Manchester United Academy Education Manager, Ian Smithson, lauded the impact of the event.
He said: “The event was an excellent way of marking the start of the Academy season, recognising the vital role parents play in the development of our young people on and off the football field.”
Manchester United Head of Academy, Nick Cox, also expressed his pride on Twitter following the event.
He posted a series of images from the conference, along with the words:
“It was great to see so many dedicated parents & carers supporting their children’s development by attending our @ManUtd ‘Academy Parents Conference.’ Thanks to @PhilBeadle, @WoodCathy & @MediaAvengers (and my mum and dad) for sharing your wisdom! #MUAcademy”
It was great to see so many dedicated parents & carers supporting their children’s development by attending our @ManUtd ‘Academy Parents Conference’
— Nick Cox (@Coxy3012) September 14, 2022
Thanks to @PhilBeadle, @WoodCathy & @MediaAvengers (and my mum and dad) for sharing your wisdom!#MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/ZqR8UgnfKd
The season ahead will see further support given parents and players, due the importance of supporting our young players.
Our ‘A United Education’ programme will provide more workshops and education sessions to give players the best chance of developing towards their potential.