13:00, 19 December 2023 | by Matthew Brown
Manchester United’s match ticket donation scheme has raised £1 million to support the community work of its affiliated charity, Manchester United Foundation.
Ahead of the 2022/23 season, revised policies were introduced for season ticket holders, allowing them the option of donating the cost of their ticket to the Foundation when unable to attend a match at Old Trafford.
Since then, almost 8,000 fans have utilised the scheme, donating the cost of more than 23,000 tickets back to the Foundation and raising £1 million for the charity. This figure also includes more than £100,000 from fans rounding up the cost of their online purchases since August 2022.
The Foundation delivers community and education programmes for five–25-year-olds across Greater Manchester and beyond – encouraging young people to make positive life choices and giving them opportunities to flourish.
Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer of Manchester United and Chair of Manchester United Foundation, said: “I want to thank our fans for the generosity shown since the ticket donation option was introduced just 18 months ago. The money raised enables the Foundation to broaden its work with young people who need support across the local community.
“It is heartwarming to hear and see the impact the funds are making, and the opportunities created by this positive collaboration between fans and the club to support the important initiatives delivered by Manchester United Foundation.
“When appropriate we urge fans to continue to use the donation ticket option as it translates directly into tangible and long lasting social impact.”
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement, said: “It was supporter input that led to this scheme being launched, and raising a seven-figure sum through it is an unbelievable achievement which reflects the spirit of our fanbase. A lot of people are facing challenging times at the moment and this money raised from our season ticket holders will make a huge difference to people across Greater Manchester.”
The £1 million figure being reached follows the Foundation releasing its latest operational report, which documents its successes working with young people in the 2022/23 season.
The report shows how the Foundation generated almost £46 million in social value through its delivery programmes in the region. This figure was calculated by the data and evaluation organisation, Substance, which works with the Foundation to measure the impact of its work
Matt Johnson, Manchester United Foundation’s Director of Operations, said: “The donations of Manchester United fans make a fantastic difference not only to local young people, but for the Foundation itself, and the scale of impact we are able to make across Greater Manchester.
“We’re working in the areas of highest social deprivation across Greater Manchester against the backdrop of stark poverty and a cost-of-living crisis. Fans’ donations give us the security to continue our work in this time of great need, reflected in the £46 million of social value generated by the Foundation in the past year.
“Our staff are honoured to wear the Manchester United badge every day while delivering across our projects, and know the responsibility and prestige it carries. Every one of us will continue doing our utmost to make fans proud of our impact across Greater Manchester.”
A dedicated webpage thanking supporters is now live on the Foundation website, providing an overview of our work, the level of fan input and how donations have made a difference. View the page by clicking here.
It is heartwarming to hear and see the impact the funds are making, as well as the future opportunities created by this positive collaboration between fans and the club to support the important initiatives delivered by Manchester United Foundation.
Collette Roche, Manchester United Foundation Chair