Manchester United’s Skills Lab Old Trafford Stadium

Manchester United Foundation’s Skills Lab is an inspirational learning space located inside the iconic Old Trafford stadium. Designed to be immersive, inclusive and accessible the Skills Lab Education Experience uses the power and global appeal of Manchester United to engage learners and develop key life skills.

Educational groups can take part in a range of interactive workshops focused on key skills such teamwork, leadership, resilience and many more.

Educational visits include a 50-minute workshop, a 70-minute stadium tour and self-guided museum access, creating a unique learning experience that combines education, heritage and inspiration.

Educational tours North West
Stadium tours North West
Day trips North West
MUFC

The Skills Lab offers a truly unique educational experience within one of the world’s most famous sporting venues, Old Trafford. Using the Manchester United story as a powerful learning tool, activities encourage young people to develop skills for education, employment and life. Workshops are interactive, curriculum-link and adaptable to different age groups and abilities.

A particular highlight for many groups is the chance to get up close to authentic player-worn memorabilia and, where available, try on shirts and equipment worn by Manchester United legends and current stars, including Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Bruno Fernandes, Ella Toone and Jess Park. These special moments help bring the stories of the players to life, creating lasting memories and making every visit to the Skills Lab a truly unforgettable experience.

As well as the combination of workshop activities, museum access and a stadium tour, we offer additional resources to further enhance your groups visit. The following additional resources are available on request:

• Pre-visit and post-visit work sheets.
• E-certificates of completion.
• Museum quiz.
• Old Trafford orienteering.

Manchester United Foundations Skills Lab has a LOtC quality badge.

The United Way (Teamwork & High Performance)

Working in groups, learn about what it takes to become a high performing team.

Key themes: Teamwork, high performance and resilience.

Suitable for: All key stages, students studying PE/sport, touring sports teams.

United The Brand (Business & Communication)

This workshop explores Manchester United’s global identity through marketing and communication strategies.

Key themes: Communication, collaboration and branding.

Suitable for: Students studying business, marketing and communication at high school, college and university.

Values in Action (Outdoor Practical Session)

An outdoor workshop focusing on team building through practical activities. Great as a bolt on additional workshop.

Key themes: Teamwork, communication and collaboration.

Suitable for: All education groups and abilities.

Unlocking Your Potential (Careers & Transferable Skills)

A session designed around transferable skills and their relation to careers, employability, and personal branding.

Key themes: Resilience, self-confidence and personal branding.

Suitable for: Those looking at careers, whether in high school, college, or university.

The History of Manchester United (Club History)

Learn about the rich history of Manchester United.

Key themes: Culture, heritage and legacy.

Suitable for: All education groups and abilities.

All Red, All Equal (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) Gain an insight into Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Manchester United.

Key themes: Compassion, collaboration, and advocacy.

Suitable for: All key stages, students studying PSHE and sociology, groups aiming to understand the importance of cultural diversity.

Managing the Big Occasion (Dealing with Pressure)

Discover the importance of resilience and dealing with pressure.

Key themes: Pressure management, resilience and problem-solving.

Suitable for: Students preparing for exams and interviews, psychology students, touring sports teams preparing for matches.

Eco Reds (Environment & Sustainability)

Understand the importance of environmental sustainability within a global organisation.

Key themes: Awareness, compassion and problem-solving.

Suitable for: Students across all key stages studying topics with an environmental focus.

Leadership & Growth (Personal Development)

This workshop helps individuals identify their strengths to guide, inspire, and empower themselves and others.

Key themes: Leadership, emotional intelligence and communication.

Suitable for: Students progressing to the next stage of education.

Visits are inclusive of one or two 50-minute workshops, a 70-minute stadium tour and self-guided time in the museum

Maximum of 180 on a single day. Tours are capped at 45 so groups exceeding this a split across multiple tours/workshops subject to availability.

Minimum booking fee of £324 + VAT which equates to 20 places. Groups smaller than this are welcome but would be expected to pay the minimum fee.

Workshops are designed and delivered by experienced facilitators, with each session incorporating interactive activities tailored to the intended learning outcomes. To enhance the experience and maximise educational impact, we offer a range of supporting resources, including pre-visit and post-visit materials, digital certificates of completion, and engaging on-site activities such as museum quizzes and orienteering challenges. These resources help reinforce key learning points, encourage continued engagement beyond the visit, and provide valuable evidence of participation and achievement.

Photography is generally permitted during visits; however, groups should follow any stadium and museum guidelines regarding photography and filming.

Risk assessments are assessed each season and are provided in the visit confirmation. As an organised visitor attraction operating within Old Trafford, all activities are delivered within managed environments by trained staff.

education@mufoundation.org

Enquiries can also be submitted through here

£16.20 per person + VAT non-peak (£24.20 per person + VAT on peak days)

• 50-minute enrichment workshop
• 70-minute stadium tour
• Self-guided museum time

£27 per person + VAT non-peak (£40 per person + VAT on peak days)

• 2 x 50-minute enrichment workshop
• 70-minute stadium tour
• Self-guided museum time

For outdoor practical activities, suitable weather-appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.

All Skills Lab staff are qualified first aiders.

On-site facilities include:

• Free coach and vehicle parking
• The Megastore club shop
• Shirt printing
• Red Café
• Toilets

The Skills Lab is designed to be inclusive and accessible for learners of all backgrounds and abilities. The programme promotes accessibility and engagement through adaptable learning experiences. We are DDA compliant, SEN trained, and fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact the team directly to discuss individual accessibility requirements and support needs.

09:00-16:30 Monday – Sunday (including bank holidays)

The Skills Lab has welcomed thousands of visitors from around the world and provides an innovative learning environment inspired by Manchester United and Old Trafford. The programme supports the development of transferable skills that help young people succeed in education, employment and everyday life, while creating memorable experiences inside one of the most famous sporting venues in the world.

“The session has been exceptional from start to finish. From the moment of entering the building the professionalism, structure, approachability and enthusiasm shone through. The session was so interactive and engaged the learners from the offset. It is linked to the learner’s experience and sporting interest. Fabulous activities which were sandwiched between videos and activities. Then to finish with a personal experience of shirts, boots and gloves is a huge bonus!” – High School Teacher, ‘Managing The Big Occasion’ Workshop & Tour experience.

“The Skills Lab team were brilliant, very informative with lots of key messages for the girl’s football team who had come over from Ireland. Taught the girls about team building, resilience and key skills of adaptation and communication.” – Tour Company Group Leader about The United Way and Values in Action

“Great presenter, very engaging and involved everyone. Good use of Man U history and facts in context of marketing principles and the understanding of customer experience.” – University Lecturer, ‘United The Brand’ Workshop & Tour experience.

“Very knowledgeable staff, students were incredibly engaged, topic of carbon footprint linked well to our curriculum, activities were suitable for the age of the group, short tasks and lots of opportunities to get involved kept the students interested.” – Primary School Teacher, Eco Reds Workshop & Tour experience.