United to team up with Chicago's sporting giants

The club will be based in Chicago for a 10-day training camp while participating in the Premier League Summer Series, including a game against Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday 30 July at Soldier Field.

Building on from previous tours, United will once again engage with local sports teams to leverage the unifying power of sport to bring communities together, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and enrich youth development.

CHICAGO BEARS

On Sunday 27 July, over 150 local children will be joining United and Chicago Bears for a combined UK and US football clinic, incorporating soccer and flag football skills. Flag football – which will make its debut at the LA Olympics next year —is a non-contact version of American football in which tackles are made by catching tags or “flags” attached to a belt around the waist.

The clinic follows Chicago Bears’ recent flag football tour of the UK, including an activation at Eccles College in collaboration with Manchester United Foundation. NFL legend Charles “Peanut” Tillman will be joined by Wes Brown as they put the children through their paces and get to try each other’s sports!

In a statement, Chicago Bears said: "As we welcome Manchester United to Chicago and Halas Hall, the Chicago Bears are excited to expand upon the meaningful partnership we are building. Through our shared values and commitment to community, the Bears are proud to once-again work with the Manchester United Foundation to continue growing sports at a grassroots level. Together we are inspiring young people to play, watch and become proud members of the Bears and Manchester United families."

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

On Monday 28 July, Wes will be swapping football boots for a baseball mitt and cap as he delivers the first pitch for the Chicago White Sox at the MLB game versus Philadelphia Phillies. He will also be meeting current White Sox stars Sean Burke and Miguel Vargas for a pre-game jersey swap.

Gareth Breunlin, vice president of marketing and advertising at Chicago White Sox said: "We’re thrilled to welcome Wes Brown and Manchester United to our home on the South Side of Chicago and share the magic of White Sox baseball with one of the world’s most iconic football clubs. This unique cultural exchange celebrates the global spirit of sport and community, and we’re honoured to introduce them to the White Sox and the memorable experience of taking in a baseball game in Chicago.”

CHICAGO BULLS

United and Chicago Bulls will team up on Tuesday 29 July to deliver a youth skills clinic with a twist. In collaboration with Beyond the Ball, a local non-profit organisation dedicated to sports-based activities for youth and community groups, over 60 local children will take part in an afternoon of sport which will include basketball and soccer skills stations, team-building exercises, and insights from legends of basketball and soccer, NBA and Bulls icon Kendal Gill and Wes.

The clinic will take place on three outdoor courts, refurbished by the Bulls last year, that feature large scale artwork. The participants will also be entertained by the legendary Benny the Bull and his United mascot counterpart, Fred the Red.

“Great things happen when global sports teams come together to do good and unite people through the power of sports,” said Adrienne Scherenzel, vice president of community engagement at the Chicago Bulls. “The Chicago Bulls are thrilled to welcome Manchester United to Chicago and the newly refurbished courts in the Little Village neighborhood.”

Rick McGagh, Manchester United director of fan engagement, said: “We are very excited to be teaming up with three sporting powerhouses when we visit Chicago this month. Being able to use our combined power to give local children – many from underprivileged areas of the city – the chance to play sport, experience top level coaching and to meet new friends is incredibly rewarding and aligns with the great work our Manchester United Foundation does here in Greater Manchester. I am sure they will be great events and, on behalf of Manchester United, I thank our colleagues at the Bulls, Bears and White Sox for their great support.”

Moreover, official supporters’ clubs, travelling supporters and local community groups will have plenty of opportunities to engage with Manchester United across numerous activations during the US tour, in addition to Premier League Summer Series games against West Ham at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 26 July; Bournemouth at Soldier Field, Chicago, on July 30; and Everton at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 3 August.

Stay tuned for more fan events and announcements over the next week.