Manchester United Foundation and The Daily Mile Foundation brought more than 200 primary school children together at Old Trafford as part of the very first Daily Mile Santa Run.
The festive iteration of the Daily Mile is a year-round initiative which promotes the importance of daily exercise among school children.
The event encourages Manchester United Foundation’s partner school pupils to complete several laps of the Reds’ famous home, whether by wheeling, walking or running several laps of the stadium’s perimeter.
Ahead of the festive period, the Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, took on a special twist.
Several of those taking part will be sporting Santa and elf-like outfits and later will be invited inside the stadium to continue the celebrations with a series of themed activities and festive crafts.
Children from across the region were met with snowballs, Christmas trees and a winter feel, which also included meeting Santa Claus and receiving festive gifts.
Collette Roche, Manchester United Foundation’s Chair of Trustees and Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer, also took part in the event.
She said: “It’s been such great fun running around with the 200 children that have been here at Old Trafford for the Daily Mile Santa Run.
“Some of the children that have come today might not get to experience Christmas in the same way that others do, so it’s been great fun getting them together, talking to them and doing a big warm-up, but more importantly, introducing them to the concept of making sure that they do daily exercise and keep healthy and fit.
“These young people are our fans, they are part of our community, and it’s great to do something with them at this time of year that’s so special.”
Rick Winstanley, a class teacher at St Alphonsus Primary School – a Manchester United Foundation partner school barely a mile away from Old Trafford – said: “Getting the kids out and about, running, and doing that daily fitness is fantastic for them.
“Some of these children have never been to Old Trafford before so it’s been a top day all-round.
“At this time of year, some of our families might be struggling.
“Coming out in the fresh air, having a good time and seeing the kids smiling and laughing has really given them a boost.”
More than 200 children were in attendance for the memorable festive experience, from across 29 of Manchester United Foundation’s partner primary schools.
One of those schools, Meadowbank Primary School, is supported by both Manchester United Foundation and INEOS.
Gordon Banks, Global Director of The Daily Mile explained that by joining forces with Manchester United Foundation, they have provided a very special experience for nearly 200 local children at Old Trafford, making it a day they’ll be sure to remember.
Meadowbank pupil, Malachi, said: “I enjoyed it because I’m a really big Manchester United fan – I enjoyed the snowball throwing!
“It made me feel good and it made me feel like I’m starting to get a bit healthier.”
Manchester United Foundation works in over 30 partner primary schools, delivering educational programmes and providing unique enrichment that utilises the unique power and appeal of Manchester United.
Each season the Foundation hosts festive activity for children from its partner schools and projects either at Old Trafford or elsewhere, to provide enrichment to deserving students.