Residents Enjoy VIP Visit to Etihad

Residents Enjoy VIP Visit to Etihad

A group of some of Manchester City’s longest-serving supporters have been rubbing shoulders with legends of the club, catching up about all things Blue, thanks to a dementia-friendly session designed to bring older fans together to share their love of their team.

The group of Cityzens travelled from their Didsbury home, Belong Morris Feinmann care village for an afternoon at the Etihad Stadium talking shop with their heroes, former players Brian Kidd (1976-79), Alex Williams (1980-86), and David White (1985-93). The guests took in the impressive view of the stadium from the event hosted from the Mancunian Suite overlooking Colin Bell Stand before enjoying a special meal with kosher option, live entertainment and dancing.

Amongst those attending was the club’s former doctor (1976–2008) Norman Luft, who relished the opportunity to meet old colleagues and friends. He said: “It was a wonderful trip, and the best part was meeting with Brian, David and Alex – it brought all the memories of my career back, and they looked after us all so well, it was tremendous!”

The visit was arranged by Belong’s experience team as part of its vibrant programme of activities for its customers, designed in line with their hobbies and interest with the goal of promoting wellbeing. The group joined others at the club’s ReminisCITY initiative, offering a dementia-safe environment for fans to enjoy a club experience and the chance to meet fellow MCFC supporters.

Last year, the Palatine Road care village welcomed the club’s silverware from its continental treble-winning 2022-23 season, with its customers and families treated to a private viewing of the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup trophies.

Angela Luckett, cultural experience coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, commented: “After previously welcoming the trophies, we thought we’d go one better this year and indulge our customers’ passion with a visit to the Etihad Stadium. The team means so much to them, so their dream really has come true. Of course, we’ll be looking to go Red for our next day trip to make sure everyone is included. Like Manchester, our village is very much a city, united!”

Pictured: 1. Blue fans from Belong Morris Feinmann care village mingle with former Man City stars 2. MCFC's former club doctor, Norman Luft (left) with Brian Kidd