Foundation Park was delighted to welcome John Shiels MBE and his team today as they continued their remarkable 1,500-mile cycling journey to visit all 92 professional football clubs across England and Wales.

The ambitious challenge, known as The Sir Bobby Charlton Beautiful Game Tour, is led by John Shiels MBE, Trustee of The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation and former Chief Executive of Manchester United Foundation. Having dedicated more than four decades to using football as a force for positive change, John has embarked on this extraordinary ride to celebrate the life-changing work carried out by football clubs within their local communities while raising vital funds for the Foundation.

The tour is about much more than cycling from stadium to stadium. At every club, John is meeting community foundations, staff, volunteers and young people to showcase the incredible work football organisations deliver every day. From supporting mental health and education programmes to tackling social isolation, promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for children and families, the journey shines a spotlight on the often-unsung impact football has beyond the pitch.

Alongside highlighting these community initiatives, the tour is also advocating for greater investment in safe places for children to play and learn. Drawing on decades of experience in grassroots football and youth development, John hopes the stories and evidence gathered throughout the journey will help influence future support for community football programmes and ensure more young people have access to free, safe spaces and trusted adult mentors.

Funds raised throughout the challenge will support The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, which was established by the late Sir Bobby Charlton in 2011. Inspired by his experiences witnessing the devastating effects of landmines and conflict in Cambodia, the Foundation works with children and communities affected by war and displacement. Through football, education and wellbeing programmes, it helps provide safe spaces, mental health support, rehabilitation and opportunities for young people in countries including Ukraine and Cambodia, while also supporting community initiatives closer to home in Greater Manchester.

Everyone at Foundation Park was honoured to welcome John and the team during this incredible journey. Their determination, passion and commitment to using the power of football to make a difference perfectly reflects the values that unite clubs and communities across the country.

We wish John and everyone involved the very best of luck for the remainder of the challenge and look forward to following their progress as they continue visiting every professional football club on this inspiring tour.

If you would like to support John and The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, donations can be made via the campaign page: https://​tinyurl​.com/​5​7​r​c2cvv