Sean Dwyer and Tom Upton, two CITC coaches teamed up with a dedicated team of Xylem employee volunteers, City fans, including from the South Ghana Official Supporters Club and Club legend Joleon Lescott, to build two new water filtration towers in Cape Coast, supporting the Dehia community and Oguaa Football for Hope Centre.
The towers contain water filtration systems which will help provide for the daily drinking needs of 1,800 people, reduce the burden of collecting water, and counter water-borne diseases, keeping children healthier and in school.
During the week, Sean and Tom delivered three days of training in leadership and community football to leaders from Play Soccer Ghana, received training from CITC coaches and delivered a football and water education festival for 100 local children.
Community Outreach Officer, Sean Dwyer said: “The recent Young Leaders training that took place in Cape Coast in Ghana went really well. Tom and I delivered training for close to 40 Young Leaders.
“The training included topics such as, adaptability, leadership, and safeguarding to name but a few.
“In addition, the training incorporated the football and WASH curriculum which was created alongside Club partners Xylem.
“We showed the Young Leaders how they can teach an important message such as handwashing, but in a fun, interactive physical way, through the power of football.”
The final day saw the Young Leaders join forces with Club Ambassador Joleon Lescott and representatives from Xylem to deliver a football and water education festival to 100 local children, and to unveil a new water tower at the Football for Hope Centre.
The project forms part of Xylem Water Heroes Academy, a unique collaboration between Xylem and Cityzens Giving, empowering young leaders in 10 cities around the world to solve local water challenges using the power of football.
Commenting on the trip, Tom Upton, Early Years Manager, said: “It was my first-time visiting Ghana and was a great and humbling experience. Play Soccer Ghana, the organisation that we were supporting, were really welcoming and did everything they could to look after us.
“The Young Leaders really engaged with the training, and it was clear to see how passionate they are about making a change in their communities. They finished the week by delivering a festival to 100 local school children.
“I feel really fortunate to have been able to go and hopefully the training we did will have a positive and lasting impact on the Young Leaders and their communities.”
City in the Community moves with city youth to empower healthier lives through football. To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow them on social media @CITCmancity.
