PUPILS and players kicked-off the new partnership between Broadoak School and Salford City F.C. this week, with a United legend making a surprise appearance on the playing fields.
The football club, run by Gary Neville and the Class of '92, struck a deal with the Partington school that will see the team use the playing fields as its training venue for the forthcoming season.
In return, the school's pupils will be given access to "unique opportunities", including training sessions with the players.
Salford City F.C. attend an open training session with Broadoak School pupils
An 'open training' session on Wednesday, July 17 saw Salford City coaches putting Partington pupils through a set of football drills on the school's state-of-the-art 3G pitch.
Chris Casper, sporting director and former Manchester United player, oversaw the event and was impressed with the skills of the Broadoak pupils, including those prodigies who are already training with Premier League teams.
The children were then given the chance to see the Salford City first team in action, coached by their manager Graham Alexander before a surprise appearance from United legend Phil Neville.
United legend Phil Neville training with Broadoak School pupils
According to the school's head teacher, Neville praised the high level of ability shown by the pupils.
Broadoak headteacher Lee McConaghie said the partnership will be mutually beneficial and will not detract from pupils' access to the playing fields and sports facilities.
He said: “We believe that this is a very positive and exciting opportunity for Partington to be involved with this up and coming club.
“In return, we will have access to some great opportunities for our pupils and the community. There will be a number of coaching and mentoring sessions for our pupils and guest appearances from the players and management team.
“We are confident that this successful club will benefit the wider community simply on the basis that they have found Partington to be the most attractive option for their training base."
Salford City F.C. will train at Broadoak School for the 2018/19 season
Gary Neville previously led a controversial bid to turn green belt land at Turn Moss into football training pitches for the club, with the backing of the former Conservative-run council.
But these plans were scrapped after Labour took control of town hall following the party's local election success in May.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here