Manchester United star Michael Carrick believes football can unite young residents in Oldham after visiting a community project last month.
The England midfielder met young people at the Salvation Army Fitton Hill Outreach Centre on February 21.
With the centre – which supports local organisations like 3StyleSports – helping to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, Carrick believes the scheme can unite communities.
“Seeing the project in Oldham reminded me of what it was like to be a young boy, wanting to play professional football when I grew up,” Carrick, 31, told the Salvation Army website.
“This Salvation Army-run project allows children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to such initiatives a chance to come together as a community, as friends and develop into well-rounded individuals, all the while sharing their love of the beautiful game.”
Carrick was interviewed by the children about a career which has seen him win 26 caps for England, and he signed autographs after watching them train.
The Salvation Army was delighted to have a Premier League star be involved in their campaign.
Chris Nielsen, leader of the Fitton Hill Outreach Centre, told the Salvation Army website: “It was a real treat for Fitton Hill’s footballers to meet Michael Carrick.
“In the past, Fitton Hill has been an area associated with antisocial behaviour, but The Salvation Army is working hard to show young people they have potential and is developing that potential through sports.
“The Salvation Army recognises the value in every person – to have an internationally known footballer visit the project really emphasised that to our kids, too.”
The project between the Salvation Army and 3StyleSports delivers expert sports provision in schools and communities with the aim of inspiring its participants.
It also aims to reduce anti-social behaviour by increasing participation in sports to reduce barriers to social integration.
Picture courtesy of Gordon Flood, via Wikimedia Commons, with thanks.
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