Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and now more than ever must we look after and provide support to those whose mental health deems them most vulnerable.
There’s plenty of support and initiatives out there doing their best to provide help to those very people – and Foundation 92 is one of them here in Greater Manchester.
Foundation 92, the charitable foundation created by Greater Manchester’s ‘Class of 92’, has teamed up with Redstone Accountancy to launch a brand new football-focused fundraising initiative for the city.
A corporate football tournament in August will culminate in a gala prize-giving and fundraising event at Hotel Football on September 10, with proceeds used to fund up to 3000 hours of free mental health counselling to Greater Manchester’s most vulnerable young people.
Manchester United Class of ’92 host kickabout for young school children // Manchester United
This month, ‘Our Goal’ will see eight Greater Manchester businesses compete in a friendly five-a-side tournament on the Heaven pitch at Hotel Football, overlooking Old Trafford. The winners will secure local bragging rights and a trophy presented by a Class of 92 representative at the gala dinner.
ADVERTISEMENT
Only three tables remain unfilled for the September’s fundraising event, which will be attended by the Class of 92 and compered by Old Trafford’s celebrated stadium announcer, Alan Keegan. Irish band ‘Blessed’ will also travel from Ireland to entertain the audience.
Foundation 92 is the official charitable partner of Salford City FC, owned and founded by the celebrated Class of 92. The foundation works with communities across Greater Manchester to promote sports & physical activity; health & wellbeing; education & employability and inclusion.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92 said: “Sport, and football in particular, has a unique ability to bring people together and achieve amazing things. We’re so grateful to all the businesses who are taking part in Our Goal – helping us fund and deliver support to the city’s most vulnerable people.
Salford City Foundation 92 launched by the Class of 92 // Salford City Football Club
“We are particularly looking forward to September’s fundraising event with the Class of 92, some fantastic entertainment and great prizes on offer. There’s still time for the Greater Manchester business community to join us on the night and make a real difference to local people’s lives.”
The first annual Our Goal tournament will see co-founders Redstone Accountancy face off against a diverse range of Salford and Manchester businesses, including: Roland Dransfield, OBI, Kuits, RoyleMac10, Hybrid, HSPG and a team from the tournament’s hosts – Hotel Football.
ADVERTISEMENT
Redstone Accountancy offers an array of individual & corporate accounting services, as well as providing business and tax advice to clients of all sizes.
Craig Watts, Managing Director of Redstone Accountancy said: “‘Our Goal’ is an annual event that brings together local Manchester-based businesses to raise funds for amazing causes.
“Our Goal’ this year, is to raise funds to help Foundation 92 provide 3000 hours of qualified counselling to Manchester’s most vulnerable individuals who are suffering with their mental health”
Local businesses wanting to support the fundraising event on September 10, by attending, sponsoring or donating prizes, should visit www.foundation92.co.uk/page/fundraising and register interest today.
Manchester
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days
Lonnie Bowes
There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium.
Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.
City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.
Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.
There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.
Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist.
The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.
Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.
It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.
The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital.
And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.
Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place.
Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes.
For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.
Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE.
The Manc -
10th September 2021 
