Following Black History Month, Nu Sole Presents and Manchester United Foundation hosted a career networking event at Old Trafford with support from artists, YouTubers, fashion designers and ambassadors from various industries within the black community to empower young people with guidance and knowledge. Including performances from singers Francesca and Misha B.
The event kick-started with a Q&A from Manchester United icon Wes Brown, who discussed his profession and experience as a young footballer. Wes Brown said, “There’s a lot of people in different areas of work that have come in to speak, and I was one of them. It was good; I really enjoyed it.”
Following last year’s successful pilot event, pupils aged 14-15 across ten associate schools eagerly wandered the careers carousel and engaged with professionals from various sectors. The event’s purpose was to raise awareness of opportunities in many sectors, which was well-received by numerous students, including fourteen-year-old Ashlie, from Whalley Range High School and David and Malik from The East Manchester Academy (TEMA).
Ashlie expressed, “You don’t see many black people who are head of this and head of that. It’s very empowering for me; I’ve seen other people that have done it, so I can as well. For me, the thing that definitely stood out was the podcast; I didn’t know you could make a career out of that.”
David also shared some insightful words stating, “The colour of your skin is not a disadvantage. You can be whatever you aspire to be. Dream on!”
Classmate Malik added, “It’s empowering for me to know that black people can come together and create such a great event, and really have fun and inspire young people”.
Guests across Greater Manchester spoke about their career pathways and touched upon their experiences. Troy Condor, Manchester United Academy Development Coach and Scout, said, “Growing up as a young black youth in Manchester, I have gone through quite a few difficulties in different environments and having different barriers. So, to give some insight into what I went through and where I am now, I think it’s quite an inspiration for them and sets a few good examples”.
Fashion designer Osvaldo Borges stated, “Seeing people like artists, fashion designers, dancers, other creatives, it makes it known that there are other avenues people like myself can take. Manchester United as a brand is doing stuff like this; it just shows that they are not ignorant to just football- they actually care about the community.
On why he masterminded the event, Luke Ross, Managing Director of Nu Sole Presents and
High School Partnership Officer at Manchester United said, “We have a relationship with so many primary schools and high schools around Manchester, so with the badge, the name, the brand, it’s important that we’re spreading the message’.
Nu Sole Presents & Manchester United Foundation Empowering the Youth
