Nearly 8,500 fans turned out at the WACA Ground to watch their Manchester United heroes get put through their paces and raise funds for charity on Thursday 11 July.
Red Devil fans from at least 26 different countries and across Australia packed into the Ground and turned the iconic cricket venue into a football haven for the 70-minute open training session.
WACA CEO Christina Matthews said the event was a great success.
“The atmosphere and the buzz around the WACA Ground has been incredible, we had fans lining up at the gates hours before the event,” she said.
“To be able to host events like this and provide good quality facilities for visiting sporting teams is all part of our future plans for the WACA Ground Improvement project.
“We have the Wallabies training at the Ground next month for the Bledisloe Cup, the Crusty Demons will be here in September and we are hosting a concert on New Years Eve, along with our full cricket program.”
Manchester United Manager Ole Gunner Solskjaer said it was great to be able to train at the WACA Ground.
“I’ve been told about Ian Bothem’s 68 here from some proud Englishmen in our team who are really excited to be here. I’ve heard a lot about the Ground from them.”
The world-famous football club partnered with Telethon for the event and raised more than $50,000 for the charity.
This money will fund a program that gives physically and intellectually disabled children the opportunity to integrate with able-bodied children in a team football competition.
A group of lucky youngsters’ dream came true when they got the chance to step out onto the hallowed turf and meet their heroes and have a kick with them.
Manchester United Foundation Chief Executive John Shiels said he is proud of the money raised and the legacy fund they leave in Perth.
“This is the first time we have tried anything on this scale. I am just ecstatic and elated that we can come here and do something that will leave such a fantastic legacy in Perth and WA,” he said.
