Manchester United legend John O'Shea has said it's "been brilliant" to be back in Derry to see the work that the Manchester United Foundation has been doing with young people in the city.
He attended an event at Ulster University's Magee campus, hosted by the foundation, where he took part in a football session with partner school students, before joining the partnership conference, during which he spoke about his career, education and support of Manchester United Foundation.
The Foundation launched its first overseas partnership with Ulster University in 2018 – offering students the opportunity to develop business and entrepreneurial skills – and has since developed a network of partner schools and community football programmes, impacting the lives of over 1,500 young people across Derry communities.
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The event marked a return to the city for O'Shea, who in 2023 launched the Foyle Cup youth football competition.
Thursday’s event celebrated a new funding partnership with IFI: the Uniting Communities programme will allow the Foundation to making a positive difference to further young people and communities, with plans for cross-border provision.
Speaking to Belfast Live, John O'Shea said: "It's been brilliant, I've always enjoyed every time I've come along to Derry whether it be for the Foyle Cup or for an event like today, coming to support the Manchester United Foundation for the work they're doing in Derry - but also now across the border in Donegal as well. It's brilliant to be involved in it and it's brilliant to see the work that the Foundation is doing, and also the local schools, the chance that they're giving kids to help develop socially, physically, mentally as well. It's brilliant to see."
Manchester United Foundation CEO John Shiels addressed the guests at the event, comprising of stakeholders and representatives from partner organisations across Northern Ireland. A panel of students from Foundation partner schools and community projects across also spoke at the event, highlighting the impact the partnership work has had on their communities and education.
“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership work in Northern Ireland, proudly continuing our presence here from 2018 onwards," he said. “Thanks to a new collaboration with IFI, we are now able to expand our work here, as well as taking our provision across the border into the Republic of Ireland, with a new partnership with Rosses Community School, to ensure we are bringing communities together.
“We strive to continue our mission of providing young people with unique opportunities and experiences through the power of Manchester United, and to encourage them to make better life choices.”
Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional and Community Engagement, said: “At Ulster University, we pride ourselves on our strong links with local schools and strive to create a welcoming environment on our campus for activities that benefit the local community.
“Working together in this new initiative with IFI further builds on our established, impactful partnership with Manchester United Foundation, through which we inspire students by fostering skills and self-belief that they will carry with them throughout their education and future careers.”
IFI Chair Shona McCarthy said: “We are proud to collaborate with the Foundation on our wider peace and reconciliation journey. Through our Communities in Partnership Programme, we are building stronger cross-community and cross-border relationships to help shape a more inclusive future for all.
“Football is a fantastic catalyst bringing these young people together who might not otherwise meet. This programme will give them the tools and training to make positive life choices and ensure they have a voice and influence within their local communities.”
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