Former Manchester United players attend academy alumni launch

More than 40 former Manchester United players attended the launch of the club’s alumni programme at Old Trafford on Friday night.

The former academy members were invited to watch the Under-21s’ 3-0 defeat to Liverpool to celebrate the launch of the initiative.

Phil Bardsley, Frazier Campbell, Joe Thompson, Ashley Fletcher, Tyler Blackett, James Weir, Devonte Redmond and Cameron Stewart were among those in attendance.

United have worked on the development of the programme for two years to ensure more than 200 former players remain in contact with the academy and receive formal access to support, help and advice.

The club aims to significantly increase communication with former academy players and offer access to informal education and workshops on personal development and life skills, further education and qualifications. United will also lend their alumni support in finding new clubs and post-playing career opportunities.

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United academy director Nick Cox said: “I am extremely proud of our aftercare programme, we put a huge amount of focus on ensuring that we are able to continue to support young people long after they leave the Academy.

“We have always kept excellent relationships with everyone who has been part of our system; the Alumni initiative is designed to formalise our network to ensure that no player misses out on the incredible opportunities that come from being associated with Manchester United.”

Earlier this season, United hosted a training day for former players without clubs.