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
Kobbie Mainoo asked Manchester United for a loan away – and the club rejected him
Danny Jones
Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has recently asked for a loan move this season, but his employers have reportedly rejected his request.
The Man United academy graduate and young England midfielder is widely considered one of the brightest prospects in the club, not to mention admired in the Three Lions camp already.
After breaking into the first team under Erik ten Hag (having previously been thrown into senior training by Ole Gunnar Solskjær), he was quickly identified as one of the best players United have in the middle of the park, having also scored a number of important goals in big games.
However, Mainoo has somehow found himself not quite in the starting XI under Ruben Amorim – much to the frustration of many supporters and, unsurprisingly, the player himself – leading the Stockport-born starlet to consider the loan market for game time.
Probably the best case scenario for us if the manager isn’t going to play his best pivot player despite having the easiest midfield in the league to play against…
As reported by The Athletic and multiple outlets, Amorim and the powers that be at Man United have made it clear they do not want to loan him out this summer.
Not only do they have no intention of sanctioning a spell away this season, but the manager and the board have reiterated that they want him to stay and fight for his place.
For any Reds fearing that this could ultimately mean the worst for Mainoo at Old Trafford, fret not; it is said that the 20-year-old has no intention of pursuing a permanent transfer away from his boyhood club.
Put simply, the academy graduate wants to guarantee himself not just more regular game time but crucially first team minutes during these crucial early stages of his development as a footballer – something he’s still not sure he’ll get under the Portuguese head coach.
Nevertheless, the United boss has assured that he wants Mainoo, even if he isn’t quite the right fit for his system at the moment/has more to learn about the role he is being asked to play.
It’s fair to say that the revelations have rocked a good chunk of the fan base, with plenty calling for Mainoo to be dropped straight back into the starting lineup.
However, some are urging patience on all sides. One user on X wrote: “Not starting every week at 20 doesn’t mean you need a loan — it means you need patience. Respect the shirt, fight for the spot. If the bench at United breaks your spirit, good luck making a World Cup squad.”
On the other hand, footballer podcaster Alice Abrahams commented: “The fact that it’s reached a point where Mainoo has asked to leave on loan, because he feels that getting away is the best move for his development is frightening, especially when he offers so many solutions in midfield to a lot of Amorim’s problems, both in build-up and centrally is WORRYING.
“And the fact that Amorim doesn’t see him is an answer to that [problem] is deeply worrying.”
What do you make of the situation with Kobbie Mainoo at the moment, Reds, and while you’re here, what do you make of the Man United manager not watching his side’s historic penalty shootout defeat to League Two Grimsby Town?
Huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech to open at Quayside MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
Time to get practicing your swing, as a huge new premium indoor golf venue is opening up over in Salford this autumn.
Founded by a local PGA Professional and spanning a whopping 4,500 sq ft of state-of-the-art space, TeeClub is set to be a revolutionary new venture where cutting-edge technology meets luxurious comfort at the unique waterside destination.
TeeClub will provide a first-of-its-kind premium environment with seven high-tech Trackman simulators, taking players to more than 450 world-famous courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and more.
The new venue is also launching a partnership with sports equipment brand TaylorMade, so golf fans can either bring their own clubs to use on the day, or make use of TaylorMade equipment available if needed.
Resident PGA professionals will offer personalised lessons with AI-driven video analysis when the venue opens later this year, while a dedicated club fitter will make sure every swing is matched with the right equipment.
There’ll also be a club shop stocking TaylorMade gear alongside apparel from Manchester-based brand, Concrete Links Co.
The new venue is designed for both individuals and businesses alike, and will offer exclusive memberships and corporate packages, as well as semi-private bays and interactive gaming modes, making it an ideal place for team-building events or relaxed evenings with friends.
A huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech is opening at Quayside MediaCity / Credit: Supplied
There’ll also be bar on site serving coffee, pizzas, snacks, wine, and craft beers.
“Our vision for TeeClub is to create an indoor golf experience that combines the authenticity of the sport with modern luxury,” commented Nick Holmes, who is a PGA Professional and the Director of Golf at TeeClub, ahead of the venue opening this autumn.
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a corporate group hosting an event, or an experienced golfer, TeeClub will provide the tools, technology, and atmosphere.”
Danny Jones -
26th October 2022 
