Since its inception in 1986, Manchester City’s Official Foundation has been empowering better lives through football across Greater Manchester.
Reaching thousands of people each season, CITC continues to deliver award-winning programmes with health, education and inclusion benefits.
To mark it’s 35th year, CITC is today (Thursday 30 September) announcing a month-long celebration, book-ended with matchday takeovers at the FA Women’s Super League game between City and West Ham on Sunday 3 October and the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday 30 October.
Supporters can look forward to:
- Bonus CityTV features from player programme visits
- Chances to win through a #CITC35 social media competition
- Matchday celebrations such as Fan Zone stations, in-stadium raffles and live interviews, as well as bonus experiences for CITC participants
- The chance to purchase signed player items via auctions
- Matchday Live features.
In its 35th year, CITC is committed to supporting positive mental health amongst young people in Manchester via our new programme, City Thrive.
Every penny raised in the month of October will go towards supporting this programme, which was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help provide support for thousands of people aged 14 to 25.
Fundraising opportunities will include an in-stadium raffle at City v Crystal Palace and post-match auctions, as well as an online donation page which is being launched as part of the birthday celebrations.
What is City Thrive?
In Manchester, the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s mental health was highlighted as a major concern amongst carers and parents.
To help tackle this, a dedicated team has developed a new mental health curriculum, blending specially adapted football sessions with one-to-one mentoring and group workshops on mental health awareness, to improve mental wellbeing.
Additionally, specific mental health themed football sessions will be delivered from youth clubs across Manchester, enabling participants to enjoy physical activity whilst also accessing the benefits of one-to-one mentoring and group workshops.
Funds raised for our 35th anniversary campaign will help to ensure that this important ‘City Thrive’ work can continue long after the pandemic.
WIN! A signed Kevin De Bruyne Shirt!
Football fans are also able to get their hands on a signed Kevin De Bruyne shirt as part of the celebrations.
City in the Community is inviting people who have encountered the charity over the last 35 years to share a favourite memory or special moment using #CITC35 on social media.
All accounts which post in the month of October will be placed into a prize draw! Whether you’re a previous or current participant, staff member or fundraiser – we want to hear from you!
Former Manchester City Goalkeeper and current City in the Community Ambassador, Alex Williams, is proud to see the charity he’s worked with for over 30 years celebrate its birthday.
Commenting on the anniversary, he said: “Growing up in Moss Side, I have always been passionate about supporting the people of Manchester.
“When I first became involved with City in the Community it was a small charity delivering football sessions with local children.
“Since then, we’ve grown to over 100 members of staff who reach tens of thousands of people each season; aged from five to 85!
“I am immensely proud of how far City in the Community has come in the last 35 years; having seen first-hand the lives it has changed during that time. I am sure that we will continue to support thousands more.”
Alex was awarded an MBE for his community work in 2002.
Head of City in the Community, Michael Geary, added: “Everyone at CITC is extremely excited to be marking our 35th birthday and hope that fans, participants, staff and partners will join us in celebrating throughout the month both at matchdays and online.
“Although this is a poignant time to reflect on our history and celebrate successes, the team is also focused on looking forward.
“City Thrive will not only promote good mental health amongst our participants but will also allow quicker access to the best specialist support to meet their needs.
“We’d like to thank anyone who donates to CITC during the month of October, which will go directly towards supporting the sustainability of this vital programme.”
To keep up to date with all things City in the Community and #CITC35, follow us on Twitter: @CITCtweets and like us on Facebook: @mancitycitc.
