Ahead of Sunday’s historic City vs United WSL match, which drew a Club record attendance of 44,259 to the Etihad, CITC’s Powerchair Football programme held a one-off session in City Square.
It allowed people to come down and have a go at the sport in the specially adapted wheelchairs.
Manchester City’s Official Automotive Partner, Nissan, has donated funds to the CITC to support its Powerchair Football sessions by purchasing eight new chairs for young people to enjoy.
The electric wheelchairs are specially adapted so that players with a high level of impairment can dribble, shoot and intercept in fast-paced, dynamic matches.
Thanks to Nissan’s donation, CITC can ensure that more participants play football on a weekly basis - especially those without a powerchair at home.
The project uses Nissan’s technologies, resources and expertise to create more opportunities for people from underrepresented communities, with a specific focus on supporting disabilities and LGBTQ+ initiatives.
City in the Community’s Powerchair Football sessions form part of the charity’s wide-ranging One City Disability programme.
One City Disability provides opportunity for participants to take part in free football and sporting provision relevant to their specific disability.
Sessions are held in primary and secondary schools, as well as in community venues outside of lesson hours, ensuring that participants across Greater Manchester have access to disability specific provision and education.
City in the Community’s Outreach Officer for Disability, Sean Dwyer said: “The activation went really well. It was great to show the public what we do and how we involve participants who are in wheelchairs.
“It was also great to see the interest from the public and explain and share with them how we make football inclusive.
“It was amazing for our participants who usually attend the session to showcase how they play football in their powerchairs to members of the public.”
If you would like to support CITC and its work, you can this Christmas through Manchester City’s ‘A Time For Giving’ campaign.
For every purchase a fan makes for a range of selected Christmas retail clothing items, available online and in the City Store, the Club will donate £5 to its charity, City in the Community.
Fans can also make additional donations at the tills in the stadium store, when checking out during their purchase journey for match tickets and via www.mancity.com/CITC.
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.
