Footballer Mason Mount turns manager as he funds game-changing experience for team of 11 children with critical illness
Mason Mount and the winning team - Robyn, Finlay, Anderson, Liam and Max
Mason Mount this week (Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 April) granted life-changing wishes for 11 young football fans living with critical illness during a two-day event, Wishes United, at St George’s Park.
In partnership with Make-A-Wish UK, Wishes United saw Mount take on the role of manager and call up a team of 11 children to "eat, sleep and train” like a footballer in a one-of-a-kind immersive experience with teammate Luke Shaw as his assistant.
On day one, the squad of children were chauffer driven individually to the venue, welcomed by a cheering crowd and met by their very own “player liaison” before having the chance to tour the prestigious premises. On day two, they took part in training sessions within the elite facilities, faced a player briefing, were gifted personalised kits, and enjoyed their very own “tunnel moment” featuring video messages from their favourite players.
The personalised kits were then sported by the children during a match against opposition team, Mascots FC, managed by Jamie Redknapp and featuring Fred the Red from Manchester United, Moonbeam and Moonchester from Manchester City, Gunnersaurus Rex from Arsenal, Mighty Red from Liverpool, Stamford and Bridget from Chelsea and Nelson from Portsmouth. The match is believed to be the first of its kind on one of the world-class pitches and was followed by a trophy celebration moment, awarded by Mount, after Wishes United beat Mascot FC 32-2!
“After years of dreaming about making something like this happen, it’s been a real privilege to finally meet this very special squad and see the difference a wish makes. Many of these children can’t play football regularly, so to be able to work with Make-A-Wish UK and offer them the chance to eat, sleep and train like a footballer has been amazing. Today we haven’t just united a football team, we’ve united families and created memories they can hold onto, even through the tough moments they face every day.”
Mason gives a team talk
Jamie Redknapp added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be the mascots’ manager at their first ever fixture against Wishes United today. It’s been a really special afternoon watching the children live out their dreams as footballers – they should be really proud of themselves. Our real-life footballing heroes!”
Over 134,000 children in the UK are living with critical illness, where the everyday moments of childhood can too often be disrupted. Make-A-Wish UK grants life-changing wishes that rescue the magic of childhood and provide a lifeline for families to spend precious time together. Since 1986 it has granted over 20,000 wishes to children around the UK, but with thousands of children still waiting, demand for wishes continues to grow.
"Many people assume Make-A-Wish UK only supports children who are terminally ill. In reality, we grant wishes to children facing a wide range of critical illnesses and outcomes, helping families find hope at different stages of their journey – and Wishes United has done exactly that. It’s a match day memory none of us will ever forget. Right now, critically ill children in the UK are hoping for their wish. We’re calling on everyone to become part of our team and donate so we can reach more children who are still waiting."
During the wish, children also enjoyed craft sessions, gaming hours, a movie night, meals tailored to football fitness, and an overnight stay at Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton on Trent, where the England team always stay when in camp.
Anderson, age nine, who is in remission from Burkitt lymphoma was invited to attend the event, said: "I'm an absolutely massive fan of Mason Mount - I even have his shirt - so it's been so cool to meet him and experience what it's like to be a footballer like him."
Anderson’s dad, Sam, added: “It's been two years post-treatment and Anderson is still building up his fitness and confidence but being here at St George's Park has really helped with that; he's been running around making new friends and meeting professionals from the world of sport. Anderson's whole personality is football - he's got an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and his favourite song is 'Glory Glory Man United' - so it really kept him going through treatment and to be here this week has just been incredible."
Wishes United has also been supported by the kind generosity of Hilton, Nando’s, IgniteLive, EA SPORTS FC FUTURES, and FORZA.
