In 2021, Cityzens Giving and Xylem launched Water Heroes Academy, a global network of projects to educate and inspire young leaders to tackle water challenges in their communities using the power of football.
We spotlighted the five projects in Cape Town, Mumbai, New York City, Shanghai, and São Paulo, and asked fans to vote for the project that inspired you the most.
After thousands of fan votes, Mumbai came out on top, winning Young Leaders from the city a trip of a lifetime to Manchester.
Last week, our Water Heroes from Mumbai visited Manchester for a week of learning and inspiration in leadership, community football and water sustainability, rounded off with a trip to the Etihad Stadium to watch City in action for our first home game of the season.
Highlights of the week included WASH & Football sessions with City coaches, interactive workshops with Xylem experts, learning about the latest innovations in water conservation at the Etihad Campus with CFG’s Director of Sustainability and a chance to meet the City Lionesses!
Speaking about the trip, Varsha, a Young Leader with Magic Bus India Foundation in Mumbai, said: “I am so happy. Coming to Manchester is a dream come true.
“We have learnt so much from the City coaches and from Xylem and feel inspired to go back and continue to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in our community”.
Water Heroes Academy has to date reached more than 6,000 young people in five cities with vital water education through football.
