March 2019: FC United of Manchester and the community

The word ‘community’ is central to all FC United does. It is enshrined in our constitution and we have established numerous community-based projects.
 
We strive to include people of all ages and varying backgrounds in our community programme, offering them the chance to learn, train, develop new skills and interests, and grasp new opportunities they might not otherwise have.
 
Each month, we’re sharing the highlights from our community programme board report. Here’s a round-up from the March report.

Community cohesion 
We secured funding of £5,000 from Manchester Health & Wellbeing for a Community Allotment Project. The allotment, which will be within the grounds of Broadhurst Park, will combine food growing and healthy eating while supporting physical and mental wellbeing and addressing social isolation within the local community.
 
Employability 
North Manchester Business Network’s Power Up North event took place at Broadhurst Park on March 20th, with a series of workshops for business leaders and third sector organisations in the area, plus an exhibition in the SMRE to promote volunteering opportunities for business employees. Some 40 local businesses participated and there were 34 stall holders, while more than 200 guests attended from organisations across the community, business and various NHS, DWP and Greater Manchester Health and Wellbeing departments. 

We signed an agreement with Manchester Youth Zone to become partners in their Future Stars project, which means academy players can take part in workshops to plan careers in sport.

Health and well-being 
The 3G pitch remains busy with almost 7,000 visits during the month including Forever Manchester’s annual 5-a-side competition. 
The SMRE will be used more extensively as a training space in April for FA courses in particular. Regular fitness classes will also start in April.

FC United’s members can read the full community report in the co-owners’ area on our website