Wigan Athletic FC have officially launched their ‘Future Fund’ scheme for next season, giving fans the chance to contribute and impact the club’s youth academy system from the ground up.
The initiative, which looks to raise direct funding and support for the next generation of Latics players, has proved to be an invaluable part of the club’s infrastructure, especially given their all too recent financial problems.
It was only back in 2020 that the Greater Manchester side fell into administration; fast forward four years, and not only is the club back on its feet and trying to establish a stronger foothold in the EFL, but they are now continuing to build that bridge from grassroots all the way into senior professional football.
With memberships for the 2025/26 campaign now open, supporters are once again being encouraged to invest in homegrown talent and the future of their club.
Following the Future Fund‘s debut this time last year, more than 500 fans are said to have joined the scheme in its inaugural season, with more than £75,000 in voluntary donations through the membership and approximately £65k of that money pumped back into various academy services.
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Be it sports science and data analytics or trips and tours, the recruitment of rising stars and so on, the lion’s share of the first kitty went straight back into supporting the junior ranks.
Now known as the ‘Heatable Wigan Athletic Academy’, with the local outfit securing sponsorship for their youth setup back in February 2024 (again, more pragmatic business-minded thinking from the Latics), they’re looking to build from within as much as possible.
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Case and point: 38% of all minutes this season have also come from academy graduates. These are the kind of stats we love to hear.
You can hear Academy Manager Jake Campbell explaining the importance of the Future Fund when first launched in more detail down below:
Speaking on the renewal of the Future Fund for next season, the Latics’ managing director, Sarah Guilfoyle, wrote as part of a club statement: “The Future Fund has made a significant difference to the Heatable Wigan Athletic Academy over the last 12 months, with the funds allowing us to develop and strengthen various areas within the Academy, including those not covered by regular funding provisions.
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“The Board and I are extremely grateful to our Future Fund members for their support of the Academy and the fantastic work undertaken by the Academy staff. We know our supporters are very proud of the calibre of players we have produced and will continue to produce through our Academy.
“We’ve been fully open and transparent with supporters regarding how the generated funds have been used, and we’re really excited to see how the Future Fund continues to aid and enhance our Academy.
“Our priority is making sure all Members feel part of the journey. Nothing gives us more pleasure than seeing one of our own on the pitch, and we hope our supporters experience the same pride, especially knowing they have helped make a resounding impact.”
The Latis may only be 17th in League One right now, but they’ve come a long way from the brink of disaster just a few short years ago and investing not only in their own talented prospects but the next generation of young footballers is an idea we can all get behind.
They take on Shrewsbury Town on the road this Good Friday, 18 April at 3pm and the initial away allocation was snapped up in a heartbeat. Times may change but the support never goes anywhere.
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If you’re a Wigan fan interested in getting involved, you can find out plenty more information, including pricing options as well as additional season ticket benefits, right HERE.
Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Danny Jones -
17th April 2025 
