Inspiring the Next Generation: FC United of Manchester’s Commitment to Young People

At FC United of Manchester, we believe football is about more than just what happens on the pitch. As a fan-owned, community-focused club, we do things differently. We’re all about creating opportunities for young people to thrive, both on and off the pitch.

At FC United of Manchester, we believe football is about more than just what happens on the pitch. As a fan-owned, community-focused club, we do things differently. We’re all about creating opportunities for young people to thrive, both on and off the pitch. Our commitment goes beyond matchdays—we offer free access to activities for families in need, build partnerships with grassroots clubs, and provide academic and athletic pathways through our Football Academy. This isn’t just about football—it’s about making a real difference in North Manchester and beyond.

Our supporters are at the heart of this commitment. Through their generosity, we’ve established a unique initiative where season tickets are donated by fans and quietly distributed to families in need. This allows young people from low-income households to enjoy the thrill of live football without financial barriers. It’s just one example of how we’re making football accessible and ensuring that no one is left behind.

We’re all about making sure young people from all walks of life feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Whether they dream of playing football professionally or just want a safe, positive space to grow, learn, and have fun, FC United is the place for them. A prime example of this is our School Holiday Camps, where we’ve provided hundreds of free places to children from low-income families. It’s our way of ensuring that no child misses out on a bit of fun and activity during the school holidays.

Our Commitment to Young People

Our community programmes are designed to support and inspire the next generation, helping them stay active, develop new skills, and build confidence:

  • Youth United – A hub for 11-14-year-olds offering football coaching and supervised gym sessions in our brand-new community gym.
  • School Holiday Camps – With free places available for families on benefits, ensuring no child misses out on fun and active holidays.
  • FC United Football Academy – In partnership with SCL Education, providing young players the chance to pursue their football dreams while following a strong academic programme that prepares them for life beyond football.
  • Grassroots Partnerships – Working alongside Moston Juniors and other local clubs to support girls and boys in sport, inspiring healthier lifestyles, building confidence, and strengthening communities.

Exciting Opportunities for Schools and Community Organisations

At FC United of Manchester, we believe in creating partnerships that benefit both the community and our club. By working together, we can provide meaningful opportunities for young people while supporting the incredible work local organisations do every day.

If you’re part of a school, grassroots club, or community organisation, there are plenty of ways we can work together to inspire and support young people:

  • Girls’ and Boys’ Football Coaching – We can offer coaching sessions at your school or local club, helping young players develop their skills and passion for the game.
  • Curriculum-Based School Visits – Bring your class to FC United for an educational visit, combining football with learning about health, teamwork, and the values of a community club.
  • Free Match Tickets – We offer free tickets to community groups, giving young people the chance to experience the excitement of live football in a family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Community Day Involvement – Join us on our next Community Day by bringing a group of young people along or promoting your organisation. It’s a great way to connect, have fun, and celebrate the local community together.
  • Holiday Camps & Youth Activities – From School Holiday Camps with free places for families on benefits to Youth United sessions in our new community gym, we offer plenty of opportunities to get kids active and engaged.

Affordable Membership for All

At FC United, we make sure young people feel part of our club, no matter their background. We’ve kept junior membership affordable at just £3, with a range of benefits that make it easy for families to get involved. We also believe in keeping football accessible, which is why our season tickets have remained at just £21 for the past 20 years—making live football at FC United an affordable experience for everyone. This is part of our commitment to making the sport inclusive and giving young people the chance to enjoy it, regardless of their financial situation.

Upcoming Events for FCUth

Our Junior Members enjoy a range of exciting events designed to bring young fans together and create lifelong memories:

  • Darts Competition – 15th March: Find the FC darts champion (both junior and adult) after our match vs Leek Town. More info here.
  • Tenpin Bowling Afternoon – 6th April: Join us at Hollywood Bowl, Ashton Moss for two games, food, and fun.
  • Easter Party – Good Friday, 18th April: An Easter egg hunt, games, and snacks before our match against Whitby Town.
  • Bingo Afternoon – 8th June: A fun-filled afternoon with prizes for all ages, supporting our club.

Check out all upcoming FCUth events here: https://fc-utd.co.uk/news-story/fcuth-events 

Let’s Work Together

We’re always looking to build new connections with organisations who share our passion for supporting young people. If you’d like to explore how we can collaborate, get in touch—we’d love to hear from you.

We also couldn’t do this without the backing of our incredible community sponsors. If your organisation is interested in partnering with us to help even more young people thrive, please contact Stacy Partridge at stacy.partridge@fc-utd.net.

Let’s make a difference, we’re stronger united!