Following his successful playing career, Williams became Head of City in the Community (CITC) in 1990, shaping the charity into one of the largest and most impactful football foundations in the country.
After spending 12 years on the leadership team as CITC Ambassador, where he continued to support the strategic development of the charity, Williams will step away from his full-time role at the end of August this year.
Commenting on the announcement, Williams said: “This wasn’t an easy decision for me and my family but at some point in time everything must come to an end. I feel now is the right time for me to step away from City in the Community, but I am proud to have represented this fantastic Club for the last forty-five years on and off the pitch.
“During my 33 years with CITC, I have worked with an incredible group of people to deliver a whole host of activities which have helped to improve the lives of thousands of people within the local community.
“Everybody connected to Manchester City Football Club should be proud of what we have achieved, especially off the field, which I’m sure will continue.
“None of this would be possible without the support of the leadership team of the football club, the Foundation board, and the brilliant Manchester City fans who have always been very supportive towards me and City in the Community. Thank you.”
Born in Moss Side, Manchester, Williams has devoted over three decades to improving the lives of people in Greater Manchester, during which time he has helped to grow the charity from a team of just 12, to an outfit of over 100.
Williams’ work and dedication to charity was recognised with his award of the MBE in 2002, presented by now King Charles III. He has also maintained a special relationship with the Official Supporters Club, travelling the country to support their meetings and fundraising efforts.
City Football Group’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Roel de Vries, recognises the impact Alex has had in Manchester, and the legacy he will leave, commenting: “Manchester City was built upon community values and, for 33 years, Alex Williams has personified the heartbeat of our Club.
“His impact across this city is beyond measure and I know that his legacy, along with the stories told by the people whose lives he has changed, will continue for many years to come.
“I speak on behalf of the whole of Manchester City when I say, thank you, Alex. Thank you for your compassion, your vision, and your commitment to our community.
“We wish Alex all the best for his retirement.”
Before joining City in the Community, Williams’ successful playing career began at Manchester City in 1979, where he helped the club to two youth cup finals and became a key member of the England side that won the UEFA U21 trophy. He was voted as a member of the PFA team of the year in 1984 and aided the Club’s promotion back to the top tier the following year.
After spells with Queen of the South and Port Vale, Alex retired from playing and set up the community programme at Port Vale. Alex returned to Manchester City in 1990 to formalise and lead the Club’s community programme; he has remained at the forefront ever since.
General Secretary of the Manchester City Official Supporters Club, Kevin Parker, added: “To City fans of a certain age, and I am one of them, Alex has always been what City in the Community is all about. Alex was the reason the Official Supporters Clubs increased our membership fees to give £1 per member to CITC fundraising; just one example of how he has tangibly grown our charity.
“For me, he is Mr Manchester City and is very much worthy of all the praise and thanks he receives.
“Enjoy your retirement Alex and thank you from everyone at the Official Supporters Clubs.”
Manchester City and City in the Community will be celebrating Alex Williams’ impact and legacy this summer, with more information to be released.
If you do have a story, or experience, you’d like to share about Alex Williams, please email CITC@cityfootball.com.
The Club and City in the Community wish to thank Alex and his wife Julie for all that they have done to support so many people and over such an extended period and wish Alex well in his well-earned retirement.
For more information about CITC, visit www.mancity.com/CITC.
