The community organisations have been uniting to take part in various training sessions, tournaments and even working together on an event for the 15th anniversary of Premier League Kicks.
CITC and MU Foundation each run Premier League Kicks sessions for young people across Greater Manchester.
With both clubs working in such close proximity, and with the common goal of providing free and inclusive football opportunities for young people, the teams decided to break down barriers and open up the sessions to enable wider access to sports provision in the local area.
Leejay, 12, a participant from City in the Community, said: “It shows it’s not all about rivalry or competition; we’re all together as a community. We involved every player, and we get to play with new players and people we haven’t met before.”
Khalid, 15, who attends Manchester United’s PL Kicks sessions, known as Street Reds, added: “It means a lot to me to come to Street Reds as you just come, play and enjoy yourself. I’ve enjoyed getting to know new people and despite United and City being big rivals there has been no stress and we’ve just been able to come together and have fun.”
City in the Community delivers PL Kicks sessions at 14 locations across Greater Manchester for people aged eight to 18.
Kicks provides free evening, weekend and school holiday provision. Through mentoring and open-access football sessions, including specific Female Empowerment and disability provision, Kicks delivers 6 days a week, 48 weeks a year ensuring CITC has a consistent presence across Greater Manchester.
The Kicks project addresses the lack of opportunity for those living in areas of social deprivation whilst providing positive activities at times and in communities where there is a gap in youth provision.
