Manchester United fans have been showing their continued 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 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.
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.
“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.”
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