- Telethon to form a groundbreaking alliance with the Manchester United Foundation
- A WA first opportunity for disadvantaged children to play football at community clubs
- $5 from every ticket sold in February for Manchester United’s Perth games goes to Telethon
Telethon and the world’s biggest sporting team, Manchester United - through the Manchester United Foundation – have formed an exciting charity alliance as preparations continue for the Red Devils Perth tour in July.
The arrangement will see the development of an innovative football program allowing children with physical and intellectual disabilities the chance to play in clubs around Perth in an integrated team competition.
The first stage of this exciting fundraising program will see $5 from every ticket sold for the two blockbuster Manchester United games at Optus Stadium - Manchester United v Perth Glory on July 13 and Manchester United v Leeds United on July 17 – going to Telethon to fund this project. For fans purchasing two game ticket bundles, $10 will be donated to Telethon.
Manchester United Foundation CEO John Shiels said this was the first time that Manchester United had worked in conjunction with a local charity while on tour.
“The concept we are looking to develop between Telethon and the Manchester United Foundation will mirror the inspirational Inclusive Reds initiative that we have been part of in the Manchester area for many years,” he said.
“At the Foundation, we have always been about encouraging more young disabled boys and girls to access inclusive football and we are delighted this program will be taken up in Perth and that Manchester United and Telethon can help fund this program.”
Channel Seven Telethon Trust Chairman Richard Goyder said every year Telethon aimed to create new fundraising milestones and working with the Manchester United Foundation would see Western Australia’s most loved charity go global.
“Manchester United is the most famous football team in the world and Telethon is the highest TV fundraising per capita in the world, making this an extraordinary, powerful partnership changing the lives of our children” he said.
“I would encourage everyone in Australia, if they haven’t already bought tickets to see the Red Devils here in July at Optus Stadium, to do so this month knowing that $5 from every ticket sold is going to Telethon, helping the sick kids of WA and supporting Perth’s first integrated soccer program for disabled children.”
In partnership with the WA State Government and Optus Stadium operator VenuesLive, Manchester United will bring their entire first team squad and begin their 2019-20 season in Perth with two exclusive Australian games in July versus Perth Glory and traditional English rivals Leeds United.
Tickets for both matches are available at unitedinperth.com.au, beginning at $69 for adults and $39 for children and concession pass holders.
For further details or comment contact Telethon General Manager Marie-Anne Keeffe – mkeeffe@seven.com.au / 0410555694
