John Stones, Phil Foden, Nathan Ake, Rodri, Nico Gonzales, Kodir Khusanov and Kalvin Phillips surprised unsuspecting youngsters, who were at the City Football Academy to take part in City in the Community’s (CITC) Winter Wonderland Christmas Event.
The annual free event, which saw over 500 local primary school children attend a fun zone extravaganza, this year included a unique player surprise.
Unbeknown children, who were taking part special Christmas photos, were surprised by players jumping out of present boxes behind them.
Speaking after the surprise, Phil Foden said: “It’s been really good surprising the children today, I’ve enjoyed it. It’s really important to give back to the community, especially at this time of year.”
John Stones added: “It’s been so good surprising the participants today. It’s nice to see the children having fun, asking them what they’re going to get for Christmas and to spread a bit of joy, it’s always nice.”
The festive stunt was arranged to help celebrate Man City’s Christmas campaign, Christmas Together, which was launched last month and supports the Club’s charity, City in the Community.
For every purchase a fan makes from a range of selected retail items, the Club will donate £5 to its charity*.
This year’s Christmas retail shop is open now, in store and online, featuring new festive gifts for 2025.
Items which include a £5 donation to City in the Community through the ‘Christmas Together’ campaign are:
• Adult Christmas Jumper (Novelty and Fair Isle)
• Kids Christmas Jumper
• Wolf Plush
• Elf Plush
• Teddy plush
Manchester City is also matching any donations* made to the charity through the ‘City in the Community Prize Draw’, meaning fans can double their chances to win amazing prizes.
Entries start at £5 per ticket; supporters can enter on a one-off basis, or they can sign up to a direct debit, meaning they enter the monthly draw automatically.
To take part in the prize draw, or to find out more, visit: www.mancity.com/citcprizedraw.
For more information about ‘Christmas Together’ visit www.mancity.com/ChristmasTogether.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity on social media.
