Welcome to our final edition in the Premier League’s “Big Six” philanthropy series. We close out with the eight-time champions, Manchester City.
Since 2008, City has been a dominant force in English football. The Abu Dhabi group that owns the club knows about the historically deep ties with the Manchester area and its fans. The club’s extensive charity work shows it is committed to empowering the lives of youth, adults, and seniors.
Founded in 1986, the City in the Community program runs various outreach and inclusion activities. It’s focused on physical education, social inclusion, academic success, and mental health awareness.
The club’s City Play program links kids between ages 2 and 5 for physical activity sessions. The program typically takes place in selected daycares or nurseries near the club. It helps kids reach the required three hours of bodily movement, a nationally recognized curriculum point in the United Kingdom.
Like many of their Premier League rivals, City works with Premier League Primary Stars to coach the next generation of elite football players while preparing them for classroom success. The club works in five schools per week, running PE classes, extra-curricular activities, English and math workshops, and collapsed curriculum days to teach students and staff healthy lifestyle choices.
Photo Courtesy City in the Community
Soccer School allows anyone to drop in and play with community members and is conducted during school holidays and weekends. Free food to tackle hunger in the city is provided at all meetings. Full coaching sessions are also adapted to include bullying awareness and prevention.
Manchester City believes everyone should be allowed to participate in football. One City Disability runs soccer sessions for people with physical and intellectual differences in Greater Manchester. The goal is to make a comfortable environment for those who don’t often feel included at other drop-in sessions.
For senior citizens, the club offers two free walking football sessions per week. It helps to get seniors moving and increases their social interaction.
The club also has a dementia assistance program called Reminiscity. Seniors will attend a six-week workshop at the Etihad Stadium and Campus, the training ground. They rewatch classic matches to improve memory and do recreational activities like arts and crafts.
The City Girls project works with female footballers in secondary schools to provide leadership workshops and coaching clinics. It offers a safe space for girls to improve their well-being and football skills.
Photo Courtesy City in the Community
City Inspires promotes high-quality education and keeps kids studying to reach their full potential in academia and life. The club and Premier League work together to show working in soccer can be a fulfilling career. Career programs are also available to help young people find employment, offering workshops on improving resumes and cover letters, interview practice, and approaching job applications.
One of the club’s standout initiatives is the 93:20 Volunteer Program. It’s named after the iconic moment in May 2012 when City won their first Premier League title. Twenty volunteers, ranging from teenagers to young adults, work on various club charity campaigns to complete up to 93 hours of community service. It teaches young people the value of respect and dignity.
The most extensive football outreach program is Kicks, run by the Premier League. Young players can join free football clinics on weekends, evenings, and holidays; sessions are six days a week, 48 weeks a year.
The program ensures that kids from every background can receive legitimate coaching and make friends.
Within the initiative is Kicks Targeted, which works with at-risk young people ages 8 to 19. This work with Greater Manchester Police and other youth outreach services to keep kids off the streets and away from violence.
As City continues winning on the pitch, the team will draw in more fans. Its approach to connecting with its supporters ensures everyone gets a chance to play the universal game of soccer. Taking care of its senior fans while empowering the next generation ensures the team’s bond with its community.
