Prior to the day, CITC participants were tasked with drawing Manchester City players for the matchday graphics, with ten young people winning a special experience.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for local school children included mascot spaces, taking part in a team photo on the pitch before kick-off and announcing the players off the bus on the blue carpet.
Following the game, one participant was even able to interview player of the match, Mateo Kovacic.
Check out the interview with Mateo HERE.
Elsewhere, the Etihad came come alive with charity branding ahead of kick-off, including a centre circle displayed by community coaches and a large banner in the family stand, to help raise awareness of City in the Community’s identity and purpose.
The City squad also showed their support by wearing City in the Community branded t-shirts during the pre-match warm-up.
To help further raise awareness of the day, City manager, Pep Guardiola, also sported a City in the Community branded top during his post-match press conference.
The day was organised to help raise awareness of the Club’s charity and its work to empower healthier lives through football.
Commenting on the day, CEO of City in the Community, Michael Geary, said: “It is really important for us as a charity that we have opportunities like today to raise awareness, raise understanding and give the fans knowledge about what their club is doing in the community and ultimately we want the fans to feel proud of what their club is doing to support people in the community.
“It’s been special to see local youngsters enjoying the game and their unique experiences today. They are all huge City fans, but some had never been able to attend the Etihad before, so we really have made dreams come true.”
Vickie, whose son Cole was provided with the opportunity to take part in the Blue Carpet experience, said: “Cole had a brilliant time. The Blue Carpet experience was amazing from start to finish. Thank you, City in the Community!”
DONATE AND WIN BIG IN OUR CITC PRIZE DRAW
Fans can continue to support City in the Community by donating through the monthly prize draw, which also gives you the chance to get your hands on signed player shirts, cash prizes and much more each month for just £5 a ticket.
Every penny raised from the ‘City in the Community Prize Draw’ will go towards sustaining the charity’s programmes, which place physical and mental wellbeing at their core, whilst also creating healthy futures and healthy communities.
Entries are £5 per ticket; supporters can enter on a one-off basis, or they can sign up to a direct debit, meaning they enter the draw monthly automatically.
Visit www.mancity.com/citcprizedraw to take part.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity.
