To celebrate the launch of the new partnership, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, surprised an unsuspecting One City Disability participant.
Dropping in on Lucas at the Etihad Sensory Room, Jack took part in a friendly game of EA FC 24 with him, before handing over a signed frame featuring a picture of Jack from the 2023 Champions League final.
Lucas said: “I never thought I’d be able to play football or EA FC, so to play with a footballer is a dream come true.”
Lucas, who is a One City Disability Powerchair participant, has been attending CITC sessions for more than 10 years.
CITC Powerchair football sessions take place on Thursday nights, from 5 to 7pm during term times at Newbridge Academy in Failsworth. Sessions are free to attend.
Speaking after the game, Grealish said: “It was a pleasure to play EA FC with Lucas, even if he did nearly beat me! It has been lovely to meet Lucas. He is a true inspiration.
“It is great to hear that he has continued to come to City in the Community sessions for over 10 years and be provided with an environment where he can play football.”
Manchester City’s Official Automotive Partner, Nissan, the first global partner of City Football Group in 2014, will support all of City in the Community’s disability and LGBTQ+ projects for two years.
The announcement expands on Nissan’s current support of City in the Community that began in 2021.
Since then, Nissan has been integral to the growth of the City in the Community’s One City Disability programme, including the support of Powerchair Football sessions by purchasing eight new chairs for young people to enjoy.
City in the Community and Nissan have also collaborated on successful campaigns and events since 2021 – including the Nissan Possibilities Project, which helps to create more opportunities for people from underrepresented communities, and City in the Community’s Blue Run fundraiser.
City in the Community will further celebrate its new partnership with Nissan at Manchester City’s Premier League home fixture against Spurs on Sunday; International Day of People with Disabilities.
If you would like to support CITC and its work, you can this Christmas through Manchester City’s ‘The Greatest Season of All’ campaign.
For every purchase a fan makes for a range of selected Christmas retail clothing items, available online and in the City Store, the Club will donate £5 to its charity, City in the Community.
Fans can also make additional donations at the tills in the stadium store, when checking out during their purchase journey for match tickets and via www.mancity.com/CITC.
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.
