Michael Carrick Foundation has gifted more than 400 bundles of football equipment and festive goodies to disadvantaged youngsters living in Greater Manchester and Tyne and Wear, to help break down barriers to participation in sport.
Launched in November, Carrick’s Kit Bag stands in place of the Foundation’s annual campaign Carrick’s Boot Room, which usually sees the public donate their unwanted or outgrown football boots which are then cleaned, up-cycled and gifted to those in need.
With Covid-19 sadly meaning this couldn’t to go ahead, Carrick’s Kit Bag called upon Foundation partners, Nike, Bench and Ryman, and our wonderful Club 16 members, who generously donated a selection of brand-new items that participants will need throughout the winter months to keep them safe and warm.
From beanie hats, socks and gloves to shin pads, snoods and water bottles, every item donated and purchased was wrapped by bubbles of volunteers ready to be given out at Carrick’s Kicks and Carrick’s Street Reds sessions.
Using the power of football to connect with young people in some of the most deprived areas locally, the programmes, delivered by Manchester United Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation, strive to break down barriers and create safer communities. Sessions provide youngsters with opportunities to take part in constructive activities, learn leadership skills, and complete qualifications that will support them in their future endeavours.
Michael, Lisa, Foundation trustees and volunteers attended multiple giveaways to hand deliver the festive bundles.
Michael commented; “Everyone at the Foundation was overwhelmed by the number of items that were so generously donated to Carrick’s Kit Bag. It’s been a difficult year for everyone, so for people to go out of their way to support our participants really does mean so much.
“Every item really does make a huge difference and gives youngsters the equipment they need to take part safely and be the best that they can be.
“It’s been fantastic to be here today to give out the gifts and meet so many young people from the local area. Their smiles and enthusiasm are infectious!”
Whilst handing out gifts at Carrick's Kicks, Elaine Flynn, Newcastle United Foundation Partnerships Coordinator, said: “We are thrilled to be giving away so many Carrick’s Kit Bags to children who truly deserve them after such a difficult year.
“The young people we support at Kicks sessions may come from disadvantaged backgrounds and we hope these gifts will go a long way towards making their Christmas this year a little bit brighter.”