Season Ticket Holders Raise More Than £550,000 for Manchester United Foundation
Manchester United fans have been showing their support through online schemes including ticket donations and round-ups at checkout.
Manchester United season ticket holders have helped to raise more than £550,000 for Manchester United Foundation by donating their match tickets during the 2022/23 season. The fundraising figure stands at more than half a million pounds with two men’s team matches still to be played at Old Trafford before the end of the campaign, and those funds will go back into supporting the Foundation’s life-changing work across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Following revised policies for the current campaign, season ticket holders have been able to forward their ticket to an Official Member, use the buy-back scheme, or donate the cost of their ticket to the Manchester United Foundation. Almost 15,000 tickets have been donated by fans throughout the season in aid of the Foundation, with over 6,000 supporters utilising the option to donate the cost of their ticket back to the Foundation when they are unable to attend.
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Of the six-figure sum so far, £87,735 has been raised by more than 27,000 fans rounding up the cost of their purchase at online checkout, providing further vital support for the Foundation’s programmes in the region. The equivalent value of the £500,000-plus figure raised would ensure that the Foundation can place a full-time member of delivery staff in almost 20 partner high schools across the region every year.
John Shiels, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Manchester United’s fans are everything to this football club, and as the Foundation is so reliant on the power and appeal of Manchester United, supporters’ input and contribution to our work is so important. To raise £550,000 through such selfless donations is a fantastic achievement by our supporters. It’s just another indicator of the family values that are right at the heart of our fanbase to offer support to young people who need it most; our fans truly are the best in the world, and I couldn’t be prouder to represent the Foundation.
“Our supporters and the Foundation certainly share the ethos of nurturing and believing in the potential of youth, whether that’s on the pitch or out in our communities. We welcome fans’ generous support, and we know their funds will be gratefully received by fellow followers of Manchester United who are accessing our programmes in the community.”
Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chair of Manchester United Foundation, Collette Roche, added: “We all applaud and appreciate the efforts of our supporters who once again have shown a remarkable commitment to Manchester United Foundation. “Thanks to the success of the online ticket donation scheme our fans have generated more than £500,000 which will be re-invested in improving the lives of young people across Greater Manchester.”
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“This was not the only way our fans have contributed, we thank those who helped with the warm hubs, the sleep out and by donating clothes to those in need during the winter. It shows that the wider Manchester United family is committed to making a positive difference to those within our community.”
With the number of matches that have been played by both Manchester United’s men’s and women’s teams this season, as both enter the latter stages of the campaign with silverware still on the line, fans have had plenty of opportunities to donate tickets this term. By the end of the season, Old Trafford will have staged 35 competitive matches across all competitions. A number of supporters have utilised the option to donate their match ticket to the Foundation on multiple occasions throughout the season.
“The Foundation is true to its name in so far as that it creates a foundation for the club in the community,” Martin Smith, a season ticket holder in the Stretford End. “It makes you proud to know that kids both locally and further afield stand to get a leg-up from our club, which is how it should be, it’s what United is all about. Donating your ticket is a very easy way for us supporters to help them along.”
David Raff, whose season ticket is in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, added: “I’m delighted to know that when I can’t use my ticket, the money is going to a fantastic cause. “Manchester United can reach people in ways that other organisations can’t, and it’s wonderful to see the Foundation using this power to help young people. It’s so easy to donate your ticket and when you do, you know you’re helping a lot of people.”
The Foundation works with 21,000 young people each year by delivering educational programmes across 66 partner schools and colleges by day, and ensuring there is a safe and inclusive place for young people to go by night, with our community outreach programmes.
By: Callum McFadden / @Callum7McFadden
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Charlotte Tattersall – UEFA