Mascots for Manchester United arrive back
Johannesburg children serve as mascots for match and Manchester United first team players wear the name of their mascot on the back of their shirts upon entering the pitch.
CHEVROLET added to the excitement of Manchester United’s Premier League season-opener by using the power of play to give Mfanelo and Nokuthula, children from Johannesburg, South Africa and nine other children from around the world a first-ever, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The global automotive brand surprised everyone by partnering with the club to have each first team player walk onto the pitch wearing a shirt with the name of their mascot on the back, including Mfanelo and Nokuthula. Then just before the start of the match, the players presented the shirts as gifts to them.
“We brought 11 children from around the world to Manchester to let them experience first-hand how the power of play can create hope, optimism and possibilities not just inside Old Trafford, but back in their communities as well,” said Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer of Global Chevrolet.
“Chevrolet’s partnership with Manchester United is about using the passion for this sport to make a positive impact around the world and inspire football fans everywhere.”
“Seeing the reactions to today’s magical moment from the mascots, players and fans were a perfect way to kick off Chevrolet’s first season as Manchester United’s shirt sponsor. When it comes to bringing people closer to the sport, today we raised the bar,” Mahoney said.
Mfanelo and Nokuthula along with the nine other children aged 10 to 13 from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea and the United States were selected to serve as mascots, due in part to their determination and ability to overcome a variety of challenges, and use playing to create hope, optimism and possibilities.
The opportunity to be a mascot is part of Chevrolet’s What Do You #PlayFor? campaign to bring football fans closer to the sport and spread the power of playing around the world.
Wayne Rooney wore Mfanelo’s name on his shirt; Tyler Blackett wore Nokuthula’s name. On Tuesday August 19 these two received a welcoming surprise party at Chevreloet Head office in Woodmead. Both said that they enjoyed the trip and the experience together with the fact that they went onto the pitch at Old Trafford with the Manchester United players.
In addition to serving as mascots on Saturday, the children this week attended Manchester United’s famed Soccer School, met club legends, received a tour of Old Trafford, and more.
