Lescott teamed up with a dedicated team of Xylem employee volunteers and City fans, including from the South Ghana Official Supporters Club, 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, more than 35 young leaders from Play Soccer Ghana received training from Manchester City community coaches and delivered a football and water education festival for 100 local children.
Local kids also enjoyed reading events that debuted Splash, the children’s book character helping kids learn about water security, to the region. Created in Africa by Xylem Watermark, Splash brings the message of water’s importance and protection to people across the continent through fun and colourful adventures.
Joleon Lescott said: “I was honoured to join this visit to Cape Coast in Ghana alongside our partner, Xylem, and our amazing fan volunteers.
“To see first-hand the impact young leaders are making in their communities through the power of football, and to be able to contribute to the building of the water towers, was an incredible experience.”
Play Soccer Ghana Young Leader, Emmanuella, added: “I grew up in Dehia and every morning walked for 30 minutes and then queued to fetch clean water before school. This project is helping to change lives.
“Now children have easier access to clean water as well as vital knowledge on sanitation and hygiene.
“Having the chance to meet Joleon Lescott and the Manchester City coaches has been very special and given me more inspiration to keep making a positive difference.”
Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager, Xylem Africa, said: “We take a lot of inspiration from the positive attitudes and activities of Cape Coast’s people.
“They work hard to create their futures and also play hard through their passion for football. This tower supports their goals and dreams.
“At Xylem, we are thrilled to work with Manchester City Football Club and Play Soccer Ghana and thank our global NGO partner Planet Water for their role in this collaboration. Together, we support people to look after water and make it available for everyone.”
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.
