United and Me: Lexi

Lexi has been attending the Foundation’s community football programme, Street Reds, since she was eight years old, and has thrown herself into every opportunity available to her, including coaching younger players, and getting involved with environmental projects to support her local community.

Lexi describes herself as a ‘little buzz of happiness’, and her infectious personality and positivity has resonated with her Street Reds coaches, who nurture her enthusiasm at sessions, and consequently nominated her for a special experience at a recent Manchester United women’s team match at Old Trafford.

As part of Manchester United’s Christmas campaign, which saw the club and Foundation offer gifts and experiences to deserving fans, Lexi and fellow Street Reds participants were personally invited to the women’s derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford in November, where they received a full United kit and enjoyed matchday hospitality.

Lexi couldn’t believe it when she received personalised video messages from United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps, and Reds defender Gemma Evans, and thoroughly enjoyed the match:

“They said my name, and I was so excited – I was hopping around like a bunny,” Lexi recalls. “I enjoyed the whole day; it’s the first time I’ve been to a women’s match, and I wouldn’t change one bit.

“I feel really blessed to be given these experiences as I think my coaches have noticed I’m a hard worker. I like to try many roles at Street Reds; I’m like a mini coach for the younger ones and like to help them be the best they can be.”

Street Reds coach, Mark Brent, has been working with Lexi since she joined the session at Stretford Sport Village five years ago. He said: “She’s a really positive influence at Street Reds, she brings loads of energy and wants to be helpful in any way she can, so definitely deserves experiences like this. Her family will be buzzing too; they will be so proud of Lexi for being so deservedly rewarded.”

Lexi’s mum, Kelly, confirmed that sentiment: “Lexi is very special; she’s a child that really likes helping others and I love her for that. Street Reds is on our doorstep, so Lexi and her brother have become part of the community and it’s like an extra family to them.

“She’s had experiences that I probably wouldn’t have been able to do for her; I’m so proud and I don’t think she realises how special she is sometimes.”

UnitedandMe is a youth voice and participant-led campaign, which offers young people a global platform to share their journeys and experiences with Manchester United Foundation.

To find out more and follow the stories of other UnitedandMe participants, visit: www.mufoundation.org/unitedandme.