Foundry News

Foundry launches unique road safety scheme with Kumho Tyres and Manchester United.

'Play Safer', 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 on Saturday 24th April, just hours before Manchester United took on visitors Spurs.

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 and the eyes of the national press.

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 cards featuring step-by-step road safety and football skills tips from Manchester United first team stars. Young fans can download and keep these cards.

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. Testament to the power of football in helping kids stay safe and the appeal of Manchester United the world over.

Ali Edge, Relationship Director at Manchester United, explained:

"This project demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative and engaging content to our partners and our commitment to use the appeal of Manchester United to make a difference."

Commenting on the success of the launch and plans to take 'Play Safer' on the road to schools across the UK, and eventually worldwide, Kumho Tyres UK Marketing Director John Thrupp said:

"Our partnership with Manchester United has given us this unique opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the community and the wellbeing of children, the drivers of tomorrow, helping build a brighter, better future for all."

Kevin Murphy, Managing Director of The Foundry, added:

“Both Kumho and Manchester United are very community spirited. Their partnership presented us with a fantastic opportunity to maximise the power of both brands. But this 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 even save the lives of young children."

Commenting on the 'Play Safer' project being rolled out to local schools in Manchester, Salford and Trafford in the summer, Alec McMurchy, Chief Inspector of Traffic for Greater Manchester Police, said:

"The messages that have been given by this 'Play Safer' scheme, and the links that have been made between road safety and football, will hopefully stay with these children for the rest of their lives."

Pay a visit to the website and learn more at: www.playsafer.co.uk