Three generations in Manchester United’s Grandad Tournament

Three generations in Manchester United’s Grandad Tournament

Manchester United Foundation partner school, Irlam and Cadishead College hosted a Dad and Grandad tournament this week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of England’s famous 1966 World Cup win.

Held in partnership with Hamilton Davies Trust, the tournament saw Year 6 pupils from primaries across Irlam lining up alongside their parents and grandparents as teammates. Each team was named after the heroes of ’66 including Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst.

2016 is the sixth year of a partnership between the Foundation, Irlam and Cadishead College and Hamilton Davies Trust as part of the Manchester United Foundation partner schools programme, in which a coach is based full time within the school to build lasting relationships with students, staff and the local community.

It was good to come here and play with my grandad today, his skills are ok although he did get nutmegged!
Sam, (10) Irlam Primary School

Tournament organiser and Foundation coach Jess Finch, explained how the idea came about: “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 sidelines cheering teams on which were great to see, it’s just been a brilliant event.”

The eventual winners of the tournament, Irlam Primary School, were presented with a trophy by Foundation CEO John Shiels, and Hamilton Davies Trust Chairman, Neil McArthur. To top it off all of the teams and their families have been invited to attend Manchester United’s League Cup derby fixture against Manchester City which will be held at Old Trafford on 26th October.

10-year-old, Sam who was part of the winning Irlam team, enjoyed the event and said: “It was good to come here and play with my grandad today, his skills are ok although he did get nutmegged!”

Sam’s 65-year-old grandad Robert described how special it was for him to play with his grandson and said: “I thought today was fantastic and to be able to actually play with him was the highlight for me, this was a great opportunity to do something together. Some of these kids were absolutely brilliant; some of the little ones were really skilful players.”

Robert also reminisced on his time as a teenager watching the 1966 final win: “I was sixteen when England won the World Cup and it was great to watch, I saw all the games and when you were at school it was a real hot topic, everyone was watching. It has been great to celebrate it again here today.”

Hamilton Davies Trust founder Neil McArthur said: “Our work with the Foundation is a great example of how we invest in projects that benefit local people. The programme has played a hugely positive role in influencing attitudes, attendance and attainment for children and families. It has been fantastic in so many different ways, which is why we’ve supported it so strongly.

He added: “I’m proud that this intergenerational event has given Irlam and Cadishead a chance to celebrate the anniversary of the most memorable occasion in England’s football history. Everyone both young and old has enjoyed it hugely. I want to thank all those who has given their support and taken part.

(Haylee Blease, MU Foundation)