Manchester United added a stop to its preseason tour in Los Angeles, hosting a free soccer clinic in partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, City of Angels FC and Epson. Professional coaches and former Manchester United greats mentored over 50 children in attendance with soccer drills, small-sided games and discussions.
“Football is one of the vehicles—along with education—that allows people to integrate and to be a part of something,” said PJ Harrison, co-founder of City of Angels FC, one of the event organizers. “It’s not about having famous footballers here, it’s about the emotional connection between the players, coaches and the kids themselves.
The majority of the two-hour clinic was spent in four smaller groups based on age, ranging from 8-12 years old. Manchester United legends Bryan Robson, Denis Irwin, Mikael Silvestre and Dwight Yorke joined each group.
“Technically, a lot of good players out there,” said Irwin. “Girls as well, because they’re just as good as the boys. You can tell they get really good coaching over here.”
The event concluded with an awards ceremony and a photograph and signature opportunity with the former Manchester United players. Each child received a signed photograph and an event t-shirt as memorabilia.
“The sports industry—the business of sport—is a great engagement tool for young people,” said John Shiels, chief executive of Manchester United Foundation. “Whatever we can do to help them progress individually, socially, or economically, is something we want to do.”
