Coach’s emotional letter to Rashford
UNITED STAR’S JUNIOR COACH PENS LETTER OF THANKS AFTER HIS FREE SCHOOL MEALS CAMPAIGN
MARCUS Rashford’s old junior football club say three-quarters of their players’ families will benefit from the school meal vouchers policy he successfully fought for.
And they have invited the United and England star back to the humble south Manchester pitches where he used to play as a youngster for them to say thank you in person.
Fletcher Moss Rangers FC have extended the invitation in a moving open letter to 22-year-old Rashford where they tell him: “I am not sure you realise the consequences of your unselfish actions.”
Last week, the Wythenshawe-raised striker was praised by the Prime Minister after he helped force the government into a £120m U-turn on plans to stop free school meal vouchers for struggling parents over the summer holidays.
It comes after he also raised £20m for charity FareShare to provide millions of free meals for those living below the breadline. Rashford was brought up in Withington and Fallowfield before moving to Northern Moor in Wythenshawe aged nine.
He played for Fletcher Moss, based in Didsbury, for around three years before being picked up by United’s academy as an eight-year-old.
Last week, the club’s chairman and one of Marcus’s first coaches, Dave Horrocks, told the M.E.N. he was ‘honoured’ to have worked with the humble star. And he has now thanked him personally in the letter from the club.
“Dear Marcus, this week must have been one of your more impressive periods in your young life. I know how much time your actions have taken up of my time this week,” the letter reads.
“I am not sure you realise the consequences of your unselfish actions. This week I have had the pleasure to have worked with some different age groups at Fletcher Moss Rangers.
“During this week, many parents have contacted me to ask if I will speak or write to you. They are so full of gratitude for what you have done.
“As you are aware, we at Fletcher Moss Rangers have girls and boys from extremely deprived homes with three, sometimes four siblings.
“Your fine work will bring some breathing space for many of our parents. I have guesstimated that somewhere in the region of 75-80 per cent of our players’ families will benefit from your actions. “You have come from being a talented, polite, wellmannered boy to a considerate, charitable, responsible young man. Every girl and boy, mum and dad, coach and manager at your old junior club is not just proud of your achievements, we are honoured to be associated with a tiny part of your development.
“We would all like to see you down at Mersey Bank as soon as its possible.
“Please continue with your fantastic work for your football club and your campaigns. If we, as a focal point in the community, can be of any assistance in you endeavours, please do not hesitate to contact me.
“On behalf of every parent and member of Fletcher Moss Rangers, can I wish you and your family all the absolute best for the future.”