As part of the Premier League's Creating Chance initiative Joe visited Hazel Grove High School to launch a new partnership between Manchester City's award winning charity, City in the Community (CITC), and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

The new agreement will see CITC coaches deliver drugs awareness, healthy living and environmental awareness sessions as well as football coaching for young people with disabilities for over 4,000 pupils in Stockport schools over the next year.

Joe was joined on the day by ex-City keeper Alex Williams MBE who now manages CITC. Williams said: "We are delighted that Joe came down to the school to help launch this new programme that in partnership with Stockport council will see us use the power of football and the branding of MCFC to help young people in Stockport."

taking part

Over the next year 30 Stockport primary schools will be taking part in the new partnership and Councillor Dave Goddard, Leader of Stockport Council said: "Joe is an inspiration to young people and we're delighted that he and his City colleagues took time out to show us what can be achieved through dedication, team work, ambition and awareness.

"I want every child in Stockport to be able to make the most of themselves and to succeed in their own chosen areas. It really helps to see the stars in action, and Joe is certainly a star."

Joe helped CITC coaches with a football session for around 20 young people with disabilities before going in goal for a penalty shootout.

He said: "I really enjoyed meeting the young people and taking part in the coaching session. Creating Chances is a great way of getting the players involved in initiatives."

For more information about CITC's work in Stockport schools please contact the CITC office on 0161 438 7711 or e-mail citc@mcfc.co.uk.