On World Water Day in March 2021, Manchester City’s global community programme, Cityzens Giving, teamed up with Global Water Technology Partner, Xylem, to launch the Water Heroes Academy, a new network of projects to educate and inspire young leaders to tackle water challenges in their communities using the power of football.
From 8– 21 November, we are shining a light on these young leaders and their amazing water projects in Cape Town, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Mumbai and New York City. And we’re calling on you, our fans, to vote for the project that inspires you the most.
CHOOSE YOUR WATER HEROES - VOTE NOW
The top-voted project will win the opportunity for three young leaders to travel to Manchester for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This will include watching Manchester City in action at the Etihad Stadium, learning more about water challenges and solutions, and receiving further training on using the power of football to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in their communities.
In addition, the Water Heroes Academy projects each receive seed funding, educational tools, training and mentoring from Xylem and Cityzens Giving, giving young leaders all they need to create their own unique programmes.
The young leaders are using football in a range of creative ways to provide essential education on water, sanitation and hygiene and to tackle water challenges specific to their city.
From preventing urban flooding and water pollution in New York City to improving water access in underserved communities in Cape Town and Mumbai, from water sustainability education for all in Shanghai to empowering youth to campaign on water access and pollution in Sao Paulo, young leaders are stepping up to make a positive difference in their communities.
Tom Pitchon, Director of City Football Group’s global foundation said: “We are excited to be able to shine a light on our young water heroes and to celebrate the positive impact they are having on their communities around the globe, as part of the Water Heroes Academy initiative with Xylem.
“We hope their stories will capture our fans’ attention and inspire them to get involved.”
“These inspirational young leaders and their projects are a powerful reminder of the passion, focus and creativity the next generation is bringing to the world’s water challenges,” said Joseph Vesey, Xylem’s Chief Marketing Officer.
“Through the Water Heroes Academy, and our broader partnership with City Football Group, we have a unique opportunity to spread the word on water issues and encourage more young people to take action towards a sustainable water future.
“Now, it’s up to the fans to vote!”
To hear the story of each project and to vote, visit www.mancity.com/waterheroes
