England international and former Manchester City star Raheem Sterling‘s charity has recently become a Patrons and donor of the HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton.
Yet another reminder that Raz is an absolutely top lad.
The Raheem Sterling Foundation was officially announced as a partner of HideOUT YZ in the East Manchester district on Monday, 24 October, with the footballer’s organisation echoing the vital Gorton‘s site values: “working diligently to bring inspiring changes to young people who need it most.”
We are committed with @HideOut_YZ to improve social mobility for young people and provide guidance to break down barriers, secure opportunities and access better education.
In the current times of need, organisations like HideOut are more valuable than ever before.
— The Raheem Sterling Foundation (@RSfoundation) October 24, 2022
The youth charity and community centre’s aim is to provide young people with a safe space to participate in sports and other activities; make new friends, get inspired or simply relax.
While sport plays a big role in HideOut YZ’s youth community – hence Sterling‘s connection to the initiative – its central purpose revolves around “keeping children and young adults off the street” and reminding them of the importance of learning a skill.
HideOut caters to people aged 8-19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs, introducing individuals to over 20 different creative and sporting activities every night for just 50p — a vital local resource, especially when schools are closed.
Beyond just keeping young people busy and entertained, the centre also offers employability and enterprise support, helping Manchester‘s youth develop their entrepreneurial skills, find apprenticeships and pursue valuable qualifications, both academic and professional.
For instance, to celebrate the partnership, Sterling’s foundation teamed up with talkSPORT to launch a ‘Broadcast Academy’, which will help deliver skills and knowledge to those looking to go into broadcast media after they leave education.
You love to see it.
🔍We're looking for 6 young people to take part in the year-long project!
⚽ age 14-19 ⚽ interest in football ⚽ interest in a career in media ⚽ be a #HideOutYZ member
The foundation’s Chair of Trustees Clive Ellington said in a statement: “We are proud to be announced as Patron of HideOut youth zone.
“Its vision and values supporting young people match that of the Foundation, and we look forward to working closely with them helping to educate, inspire and empower the young people of Manchester.”
Located next to Gorton Park, the facility opened in 2020 and is part of the national OnSide Network charity, originally founded back in 2008. Since then, 14 youth zones have been set up across the UK.
Gorton’s state-of-the-art HideOUT YZ is the most recent to have been opened and cost £6.6 million to build, signifying a massive investment in the Greater Manchester area.
Despite leaving 0161 for a return to London life, it’s clear that Sterling still has a deep affection for Manchester and having put down roots here for seven years – not to mention understanding the importance of having outlets like these at a young age – he’ll always be an honorary Manc in our eyes.
If you or a young person in your family is looking for somewhere to keep busy, stay active, learn or simply keep out of trouble, the HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton is a safe haven full ran by wonderful people.
The youth centre is open for seniors (13-19) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, while the junior club (8-12) runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is also the Sunday Club for both age groups.
You can find the full list of opening times and information for those with additional needs HERE.
Featured Image — HideOut Youth Zone/Raheem Sterling Foundation (via Twitter)
Sport
Bury FC clap back at Oasis after Noel Gallagher’s dig at Heaton Park reunion show
Danny Jones
Bury FC have clapped back at Oasis after Noel Gallagher aimed a sly little dig at the Greater Manchester side during their reunion show this week.
The Burnage boys returned to Heaton Park for round three of their five-night run, where roughly another 80,000 descended on the massive outdoor space for their latest homecoming gig.
While the energy back in 0161 has been unreal for every date thus far, with the Gallagher brothers seemingly getting just as much of a buzz from the reception as Mancs and out-of-towners alike, ‘r Noel did dish out a bit of sarcasm when he was welcomed into the spotlight on Wednesday evening.
In case you didn’t see the now-viral clip, here’s what he had to say…
“Who do you support, fucking Bury? Bury are fucking shit.”
Noel Gallagher during last night’s Oasis gig at Heaton Park.
— The Mighty Shakers Podcast (@TMS1885) July 17, 2025
The Gallaghers are never ones to shy away from a bit of cheek, but Noel definitely has the reputation for being the drier of the two wits.
Not that making a joke about the nearest team being Bury, to what was most likely a sea of Manchester City and/or United fans (purely based on the law of averages), is particularly witty.
Regardless, we were glad to see not only Shakers fans but the club itself give the local but now London-based music legend a bit back.
Responding in a social media comeback of their own, the North West Counties League (NWCL) outfit noted that while they couldn’t share the original clip – not that it stopped supporters, mind you – they did go on to share an old clip of their 1997/98 side beating Noel’s beloved Manchester City.
The decisive finish was headed home by one of their very own “dyed in the wool” Blues, too: Paul Butler, who scored the only goal of the Championship fixture to beat City in their own barn back at Maine Road.
More importantly, the NWCL club used the opportunity to capitalise on the old adage of ‘no press is bad press’, writing in the caption: “Here’s our ticket link if you wanna roll with it and watch the champions in action.”
At the end of the day, it did get people talking – not a bad result for the non-league team.
Now, less than a month until the Premier Division champions get underway in the 25/26 campaign, we can wholeheartedly recommend going along to Gigg Lane to see what moves the Shakers are making.
For starters, they’re heading into the new term with a big-brand partnership already under their belt.
Featured Images — Screenshot/The Mighty Shakers Podcast (via X)
Sport
Kolo Touré joins Manchester City’s backroom staff on a permanent basis
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool defender, Kolo Touré, has now permanently re-joined the club as a first-team coach.
The retired centre-back, who finished his career at Scottish giants Celtic FC before hanging up his boots back in 2017 and becoming part of their backroom staff, has been working with Man City as part of the FIFA Club World Cup set-up.
Having clearly impressed on the road, not to mention having spent last season as Assistant Lead Coach alongside U18s boss Oliver Reiss – with the youth side winning the Premier League North title – the 44-year-old has now been given an assistant coaching job with the senior squad on a full-time basis.
Announced on Tuesday, 15 July, ahead of City’s pre-season tour getting underway next month, Kolo Touré is the latest among multiple recent appointments to manager Pep Guardiola’s ranks.
Hailing from the Ivory Coast and having enjoyed a career spanning more than 15 years, he’s considered one of the greatest African players of all time, so it’s no question that he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role.
Touré, who made more than a century of appearances for the Blues, began his coaching journey with the national team before assisting Brendan Rodgers at both Celtic and Leicester City.
He also spent a rather short spell at another Greater Manchester side, being made head coach of Wigan Athletic in November 2022.
But it wasn’t to be…
The older brother of fellow City club legend, Yaya, was ultimately sacked around two months later (just 59 days, to be exact) after having failed to win a single fixture in his first name games in charge.
Kolo Touré taking instructions from Pep, the chemistry’s taking shape. Brilliant to see Kolo soaking it all in from the very best. He’s here for the long haul, man. You can feel it. pic.twitter.com/RscM9rg0GS
Commenting on Toure’s appointment as first-team assistant coach, Director of Football Hugo Viana said in an official club statement: “We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first team coaching staff.
“Not only does he bring his immensely precious experience at football’s elite level, but he also has a deep connection with Manchester City and a deep knowledge of the Club.
“We’ve also been hugely impressed with his work and success with our Under-18s, and by adding him to our senior staff permanently, this will only strengthen the transition for players in our Academy into the first team.
“As we already saw throughout his time with Pep Guardiola, Pep Lijnders and James French this summer, his massive personality of optimism and positivity is hugely infectious and we’re already looking forward to his work moving forward.”
In case you were unfamiliar with the latter two names, you’ll find all you need to know down below.
Danny Jones -
26th October 2022 
