Manchester United are once again holding their charity sleepout at Old Trafford in an effort to raise money for vulnerable young people and Greater Manchester’s homeless community.
This being just the second year the stadium sleepout has ever been held at the Theatre of Dreams, the aim of the charity sleepout is to raise awareness surrounding rough sleeping in and around Manchester, especially amongst the younger people in or on the verge of homelessness.
The crucial fundraising event will encourage supporters to swap their beds for a sleeping bag for the night and camp out within the club’s home ground, this time sleeping not only under the stars but in the actual stands at Old Trafford.
In a rare opportunity, fans will have the chance to try and get some kip whilst overlooking the iconic pitch in a bid to come together and raise funds for both the Manchester United Foundation and youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint. You can see clips of how last year’s stadium sleepout went below:
Last year’s Old Trafford sleepout evoked some heartwarming scenes.
In 2022, more than 60 Man United fans, along with various other individuals from in and around the club as well as local charities, piled into the Munich Tunnel to be part of the first-ever Old Trafford sleepout in testing temperatures to experience what it’s like to sleep on the streets.
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Bringing their sleeping bags, blankets, flasks of hot tea and snacks to share with other compassionate Reds taking part, the group managed to raise over £20,000 for the United Foundation and Centrepoint — vital funds needed to help support an estimated 121,000 young people who asked for help in the face of homelessness last year alone.
While the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is doing plenty of crucial work to combat youth homelessness and rough sleeping in general across the 10 boroughs, it goes without saying that money like this could drastically change the circumstances of so many people for the better.
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If, like it did so many others last year, this deeply moving cause stirs you enough to consider taking part, registration is £30 per person and all participants are being asked to pledge a minimum of £250 to support those in need, but of course it’s the taking part that counts. You can register your interest HERE.
The Foundation‘s long-serving CEO, John Shiels, said of the second event: “This year’s sleep out comes the added incentive of fans being able to bed down under the night sky in the stands at Old Trafford, albeit in freezing conditions as we show solidarity with young people facing hardship in the winter months.
“The Foundation operates in some of the areas of highest social deprivation in Greater Manchester, so sadly we know the extent of the challenges our participants face and how important it is we continue to support them through our work, particularly during winter.
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“Last year’s sleep out harnessed the togetherness of our communities, and building on that, I am confident that we can raise more vital funds and awareness to help vulnerable young people in Greater Manchester with the support of Manchester United’s incredible fanbase.”
Homelessness always feels more prevalent as we enter the colder months but, of course, it remains a deeply pressing social issue all year round both in our local communities and across the UK. We’re proud to know that people in and around our city are always doing their bit to help make a difference.
Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground
Danny Jones
Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.
The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.
As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.
In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.
As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.
Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.
Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.
As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”
They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.
'The Swinton Lionesses today proudly announced the launch of their new identity – the Manchester Swinton Lionesses – marking an exciting new chapter not only for women’s rugby league but for the evolution and ambition of one of the sport’s most historic clubs.
Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.
“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”
Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.
“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”
As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.
Manchester City reach ‘agreement in principle’ to sign winger Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Yes, if the latest reports are to be believed, Man City are further bolstering their offensive options with a deal for another wide forward in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo, now virtually done.
Having emerged as one of the Premier League’s hottest properties over the past couple of years, Antoine Semenyo has gone from not only being an extremely prolific winger, but beyond a flavour of the month, with multiple teams expressing their interest in recent months.
That being said, despite being linked with local rivals Manchester United, current champions Liverpool and an already heavily staffed Chelsea side, it looks as though City have now won the race to sign Semenyo – one they seem to have been leading since the start.
According to sports journalists Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, the Blues have now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ for the Ghanaian international, meaning it is merely just a case of crossing Ts and dotting Is.
🚨 BREAKING: Antoine Semenyo's move to Manchester City from Bournemouth is now agreed in principle. Clubs in process of drafting paperwork.
Clarity on Semenyo's move date expected in the next 24 hours.
As per the update on New Year’s Day (and the opening 24 hours of the 2026 January transfer window), the talkSPORT correspondents claim that while final personal terms are still to be fully confirmed, the deal is effectively done.
Semenyo’s release clause was set at £65 million, which is approximately the same figure they sold former striker Dominic Solanke to Spurs for, but inevitable add-ons and bonuses are likely to set a club record fee in terms of player sales.
Writing on social media, Crook said: “Semenyo move from #AFCB to #MCFC pretty much done now. Deal agreed in principle, and contracts being drafted by the two clubs.”
Moreover, Semenyo joining City could also set a few other dominoes in motion once officially over the line and fully announced…
However, it is also thought that manager Andoni Iraola’s insistence that the draw against Chelsea was “definitely not” his last game suggests that City fans will still have to wait some more before they see him in the sky blue strip.
The Cherries’ boss has been clear that he wants his attacking talisman to feature in their upcoming game against Arsenal this weekend.
As a result, this will most likely see completion of the albeit all but done transfer delayed even further, hence why Pep Guardiola and co. will have to wait to try him in the starting XI.
It’s also worth noting that although the 25-year-old made it clear he doesn’t just want somewhere he can win trophies, but has already named the Etihad Stadium as his desired destination, many have suggested that he could end up losing momentum amid the wealth of attackers being rotated.
Happy with the business, Blues? And as for you neutrals, do you think it’s the right next step for him?
Danny Jones -
31st October 2023 
