Irlam Primary score the winner!
The community of Irlam and Cadishead came together on 26th September to celebrate the 50th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup win with an intergenerational football tournament.
The event which was run by Manchester United Foundation (MUF) in partnership with Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT) and hosted by Irlam and Cadishead College – included children between the ages of 7 – 11 and people who were a similar age 50 years ago.
Pupils from five primary schools: St Mary’s, Cadishead Primary, Irlam Endowed, Irlam Primary and St Joseph’s – took part in the tournament, along with parents and grandparents and was set up and refereed by older children.
Tournament organiser and MUF coach Jess Finch explained: “Today was all about bringing the community together and celebrating such a momentous occasion in English Football history with Grandparents playing with the younger generation of kids.”
She added: “I’m really pleased with the turnout, lots of family and friends were involved on the side-lines cheering teams on which was great to see, it’s just been a brilliant event.”
The event was organised to stimulate awareness across the local community of the era-defining 4-2 win that saw United stars Sir Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles playing heroic roles.
The winning team from Irlam Primary School were presented with the HDT Cup by our Chairman Neil McArthur and John Shiels MUF CEO. No one left empty-handed – as special certificates were provided to everyone who took part, along with 2 free tickets for the forthcoming EFL Cup Manchester derby at Old Trafford for every child – exciting stuff!
Gary Bloor, one of the Grandads who took part in the event said: “It’s a long time since I played football but I really enjoyed it – particularly playing with my grandson Joel Prescott. It was great to take part in such a worthwhile event and to see a number of schools come together for this event as the children may not come into contact otherwise. It was quite competitive at times but in the end all the kids were smiling!”
HDT Marketing Manager said: “This was a great event that we hope will generate conversations between the kids and grandparents about the 1966 World Cup Final. It was lovely to see boys and girls from different schools competing against each other and some of their Parents / Grandparents. It was quite competitive throughout with a few tasty challenges, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves which is what it’s all about!”
2016 is the sixth consecutive year HDT have partnered MUF to provide a sport and personal development programme to all ten schools in Irlam and Cadishead.
Mandy Coleman HDT Consultant General Manager said: “The partnership we hold with MUF is highly valued by us and the results delivered by this partnership are a great example of why HDT invests in projects that benefit local people. We have contributed £128,000 towards this programme to date and feel that the benefits delivered have far exceeded this cost as it has played a hugely positive role in influencing attitudes, attendance and attainment for children, as well as hours of sports provision every week for each of the ten local schools.”
The programme delivers football coaching, skills training, personal development and life changing experiences, 
providing young people with skills to improve their employability and offering opportunities to change their lives for the better.
It starts early, engaging children in primary schools who receive sports coaching and lifestyle sessions, encouraging them to eat a balanced diet and to be healthy and active.
Older students are given the opportunity to volunteer at after-school coaching sessions and are encouraged to take extra-curricular qualifications in sports coaching and enterprise to improve their skills and employability.
Posted on: 27th September 2016