Manchester United, Kumho Tyres and The Foundry help kids cross better
The Foundry has helped Kumho Tyres and Manchester United launch a road safety and soccer skills coaching initiative with the support of the Greater Manchester Police.
‘Play Safer’, which claims to be the only scheme of its kind in the world, marks a breakthrough in road safety training. It works by putting kids aged 5 -11 years through their paces on a specially designed soccer training pitch to polish their powers of control, anticipation and awareness… and showing them how to use exactly those same skills to keep themselves safe on the roads.
The National Press attended the ‘Play Safer’ official launch at Old Trafford, just hours before Manchester United kicked off.
Hundreds of young fans flocked to test their skills on the dribbling games, speed cages, bike slalom, ball control tyre wall and more. All under the expert guidance of Manchester United Foundation coaching staff.
Sir Bobby Charlton, who attended the launch with other Manchester United legends including Dennis Irwin and Andrew Cole, said: "As a club, we’ve always considered it our responsibility to make a positive contribution to the community. That’s why we’re proud to be getting behind the ‘Play Safer’ programme with Kumho Tyres.’
Ji-Sung Park, who features in roadside posters promoting the scheme along with Antonio Valencia and Patrice Evra, commented: "This is a fantastic way to teach children road safety whilst having fun playing football."
The scheme is being supported by a new website offering news and updates, plus a unique set of collector’s cards featuring step by step road safety and football skills tips from Manchester United first team stars that young fans can download and keep.
Within hours of the site going live, the cards were being downloaded as far afield as Nepal, Malaysia, Botswana, Russia, India, USA, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, Ecuador and throughout Europe.
Kumho Tyres UK marketing director John Thrupp said: "Our partnership with Manchester United has given us this opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the community and the well being of children, the drivers of tomorrow, helping build a brighter, better for all."
Kevin Murphy, Managing Director of The Foundry added: “The strategy we devised is far more than just a marketing campaign. The Play Safer scheme will play a huge role in improving the safety of young people on our roads by exercising with tips from their heroes. It’s very rare to be involved in something that might hopefully will save the lives young children.”