Manchester United gives a Make A Wish kid a trip to Old Trafford
Manchester United sends one of their youngest American supporters to see the pitch from Old Trafford in person
European soccer powerhouse Manchester United teamed up the Make-A-Wish foundation to send a 12-year-old named Matthew, who is battling osteosarcoma, to see the Red Devils play a match at Old Trafford. To surprise him with the good news, Manchester United and sponsor Chevrolet sent former goal keeper Gary Bailey and club mascot Fred the Red bearing gifts.
Matthew also received a personal invitation from the Manchester United players like Wayne Rooney.
For the child to qualify for a “wish,” they have to meet certain requirements. According to Make-A-Wish’s website, “A child with a life-threatening medical condition who has reached the age of 2½ and is younger than 18 at the time of referral is potentially eligible for a wish.” The website went on to say that over 14,000 children in America have their wishes granted.
You don’t have to be a supporter of Man U to know that these surprises not only can make an ailing child’s day, they will remember the moment for the rest of their lives. Manchester United is one of a handful of European-based soccer teams that has fans following them where ever they play. For instance, last year match against Spanish soccer power Real Madrid at University of Michigan’s “Big House” sold out months in advance. The club’s popularity is to due savvy marketing by the club officials. Nick Harris, editor of sports finance website SportingIntelligence.com, once told the BBC how they do it.
“In five years, purportedly, Manchester United’s following has gone from 333 million, or thereabouts, to 659 million. So almost a doubling of people following Manchester United in five years. This is eyebrow-raising stuff!”
Manchester United, according to their research, has close 660 million supporter worldwide. This classy gesture will surely add some fans to their supporters groups.
Manchester United currently sits in 3rd place in the Barclays Premier League table behind Chelsea and Arsenal.
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