CLASS OF '92 HOST KICKABOUT FOR YOUNG SCHOOL CHILDREN
Members of Manchester United's iconic Class of '92 joined young fans for a kick about as they prepare to return to Old Trafford for the Treble Reunion match on 26 May.
Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville surprised pupils from Manchester United Foundation partner schools as they were taking part in activities on the rooftop pitch at Hotel Football, overlooking Old Trafford.
The pupils from Co-op Academy Swinton, Stretford High School and Waterhead Academy in Oldham had earlier been taking part in an inter-school football tournament with the Foundation, and were delighted with the opportunity to ask advice of the Manchester United legends.
Jack, a year 8 pupil from Co-op Academy Swinton, said: “What can I say; we've just been playing with absolute legends! They talked about how they felt the night they won the Treble and when the final whistle blew they just felt brilliant.”
The Neville brothers and Nicky Butt will be back at Old Trafford with their former team-mates on 26 May, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of winning the Treble on that exact date in 1999. The Manchester United Legends will once again be taking on FC Bayern Legends in the celebratory event to raise funds for Manchester United Foundation.
Phil Neville said: “It's going to be a special day. There will be great celebrations, great memories and great players coming back, and we'll be playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world in Bayern Munich. But the main part of the day is to raise an unbelievable amount of money for children, grassroots football, disabled football, for both girls and boys, and I think the work the Foundation is doing is incredible.”
Nicky Butt added: “If you look at the local area and beyond, it's important to have these kind of charity associations and to give back to the community. There are a lot of kids around the area who need our help, places to play football and enjoy sport. This is a big part of the Foundation's work and itıs massively needed. It's something we are all proud to be involved with.”
Unable to join his teammates for the Treble Reunion due to commitments as manager of Wales, Ryan Giggs said: “I'm really sorry I can't be at the match but I know everyone will have a brilliant time and we'll raise lots of money for a brilliant cause.”
Fans can look forward to welcoming Sir Alex Ferguson and a host of Manchester United legends back to the Theatre of Dreams, including many players who graced the Hallowed Turf in 1999 and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies during that iconic season.
All proceeds will go to Manchester United Foundation's work with young people across Greater Manchester.
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