Each month, Manchester City’s Charity, City in the Community (CITC), spotlights its work and programmes through the voices and stories of its participants.

This month CITC spoke with Winnie, a City BTEC student who has overcome illness to return to education and pursue her career goals.

In this interview, Winnie talks about her journey so far with CITC and her hopes for the future, after returning to college following a period of time away due to a cancer diagnosis, saying: “Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, which meant I had to take time out of education and out of football, which was a hard thing to do.

“The course helped me while I was diagnosed with cancer. They organised a fundraising scheme, and when they had games, I was invited down, whenever I was healthy enough to come down.

“It really made me feel appreciated and good that I had a community around me.”

Sitting under CITC’s Healthy Futures pillar, the City BTEC programme provides an opportunity for students who are passionate about football and their education, to combine the two as part of this course.

The curriculum provides students with an insight into what life would be like coaching in an Academy session, through the way in which CITC staff deliver sessions. 

The course aims to be totally inclusive, offering places to both male and female participants without trials.

The team currently delivers in three sixth form colleges, Oldham College, Ashton Sixth Form and Connell College.

Coaches are able to adapt their approach, the content and physical activity sessions in order to best meet the requirements of the college/group that they are working with.

To apply for the BTEC course or for more information, visit the respective college website. 

With thanks to Blue Emergency Cover for their support of the We Are CITC series.  

Protect your home and support City in the Community—sign up for Blue Emergency Cover using code CITC20 to contribute to the campaign while enjoying reliable insurance. 

To find out more, visit: https://blueemergencycover.co.uk/ 

City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.

To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity.