Paul Scholes’s legendary visit to The Orchards

Paul Scholes took some time out to take part in a session at The Orchards, led by the resident Foundation coaches. 

The Orchards is one of eight SEND schools that the Foundation work in, specialises in looking after and educating children with a wide range of disabilities. A full-time delivery officer is employed by the Foundation to work in the school during term-time, providing unique educational and enrichment opportunities to its pupils.

As a parent of a child with special educational needs, Scholes was really keen to learn about the kind of work the coaches do with the students, before throwing himself into the sporting activities on a beautiful sunny day in south Manchester.

Ian Maitland, SEND officer at the Foundation, led the multi-sport session which included a small-sided game of football and the United legend was more than happy to take part, encouraging the youngsters and enjoying a laugh and a joke with them too.

Ons student, Tyler, was keen to show off his throwing skills to Paul: “Go on then, show me your tricky shot,” Paul said. Tyler obliged with an impressive 360-degree spin before successfully landing his beanbag into the net. Scholes loved it!

Much like in his playing days, the game was followed by a Q&A, but, this time, the Manchester press pack was replaced by our group of curious youngsters! “Did you score a million goals?” one asked, to which Paul replied “I don’t think it was quite that many!”

“The work the Foundation does in special educational needs schools is amazing, and it’s something that’s really close to my heart,” Paul said. “You have to admire the coaches and the extra activities that they can provide for the kids so they’re not stuck inside all day. It’ll help them develop and you can see they love it too.

“It can be hard for the parents of these children so to have this additional support, from the school and the coaches, is brilliant.”

Ian added: “The children felt really comfortable around Paul straight away, which was brilliant to see as a calm environment is so important for our children.”

Read more on Manchester United’s website here: https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/paul-scholes-pays-visit-to-man-utd-foundation-partner-send-school-the-orchards