The Club’s charity hosted a football tournament at the City Football Academy as part of its free summer holidays offering for young people aged six to 16, with the activities based around inclusivity, teamwork, and friendship.
CITC also welcomed members from the local community to take part in the event, including Will Cairns from Manchester City’s Official LGBTQ+ Supporters Club, Canal Street Blues, and Helen Hardy from Manchester Laces, the city’s the first ever inclusive women’s and non-binary football club.
Kalvin was able to make his way around the tournament, cheering on the participants and listening to what they have been learning about. His visit culminated with a Q&A for the children as well as a photo opportunity.
Speaking at the event, Phillips said: “Wherever you go you should always be welcomed for who you are and how you are.
“I think teaching kids this young is an amazing thing, to help them understand how you should always treat people is one of the best things you can do.”
Alex Williams, City in the Community Ambassador, added:
“We are delighted to have been able to celebrate Manchester Pride with our participants today. City in the Community is committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome at our sessions and providing education on the importance of inclusivity.
“Having Kalvin here today is a great example of how the Club and charity work together to make a difference to the lives of people living within our local community.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thanks Kalvin and all of our guests for joining us today. I hope you enjoyed it just as much as the kids did!”
CITC’s summer sessions use the brand of Manchester City to engage participants in open access football, increasing physical activity throughout the school holidays with regular sessions in communities across the city.
Participants are provided with free full day structured coaching sessions as well as free healthy food provision at sites across Greater Manchester to tackle holiday hunger in the most deprived areas.
To find out more about City in the Community, follow @citcmancity across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, or visit www.mancity.com/CITC.
