Healthy Goals, which was launched by City in the Community in May 2023, aims to uplift the physical and mental health of young people by creating and regenerating community football spaces in Manchester.
Having already opened eight sites across Greater Manchester, City in the Community will now set its sights on a bumper 2026 thanks to funding from Manchester Active, a strategic delivery arm for Manchester City Council.
The £100,000 investment, which will also be matched pound-for-pound by City Football Group, means that by the end of 2026, City in the Community and its supporters will have invested almost £1.25million into community football spaces across Greater Manchester.
City in the Community’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Geary, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Manchester City Council in the third summer of our Healthy Goals initiative.
“Thanks to their investment, alongside annual support from City Football Group, we hope to open a significant number of regenerated community football spaces for local people to enjoy.
“The collaboration also means we can work with Manchester Active to ensure that we invest in the locations which need it most, using indices of multiple deprivation.
“The first step will be to undergo local consultations around possible sites, which will include, as always, collaborating with school children and local community groups on design and layout.”
Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, Manchester City Council, added: “Manchester City Council is proud to invest in the Healthy Goals initiative supporting the renewal of our Multi Use Games Facilities in parks and community spaces, directing improvements to the areas where need is greatest.
“This targeted approach helps tackle inequalities in participation and health by upgrading and activating existing facilities, encouraging more children and young people to get active and enjoy high‑quality safe spaces close to home in support of their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
“By working with City in the Community and the local community, we’re creating cleaner, greener and more vibrant community facilities that boost participation, reduce health inequalities, and strengthen pride in our neighbourhoods - ensuring every young person can play, grow and reach their potential.”
Sites which have so far received investment through City in the Community include:
- Scotland Hall Road, Newton Heath
- Ladybarn Park, Withington
- Ravensbury Community School
- St Wilfrid’s C.E. Primary School
- Ashbury Meadow Community Primary School
- Southern Cross School
- Holy Name RC Primary School
- Bradford Park, Beswick (supported by C.P. Company)
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football. For more information, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow @citcmancity on social media.
