Accompanied by Club legend, Nedum Onuoha, the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup along with UEFA Super Cup trophies spent the afternoon at a Cityzens Giving project in the Bandra suburb, where Manchester City is working with OSCAR Foundation to support children from underserved communities through its football and life skills education programme.
More than 75 participants from the programme attended this special community football festival, which was led by 15 of the project’s inspiring Young Leaders who have benefitted from football leadership training from Manchester City coaches since 2020.
During the event, Nedum Onuoha shared lessons on leadership with the Young Leaders, and participated in fun, educational football activities with the local children before posing for photos with all those in attendance.
Earlier in the day, Onuoha surprised Zoya, an inspirational young leader and Manchester City super fan, by taking the trophies to her home in Mumbai.
Reflecting on the experience, Onuoha said: “Zoya was so stunned when she saw me and then when the Champions League trophy was behind me it was obviously an incredibly special moment for her.
“People like Zoya and the work she does in her community are invaluable. As a club we were delighted to express our gratitude for her efforts with a truly special surprise.”
Zoya has been a young leader at the Cityzens Giving project since its inception in 2020 and serves as a role model for the next generation, in particular inspiring young girls in her community to break down barriers to pursue sport and education.
Speaking about the surprise, Zoya said: “I feel overwhelmed and speechless. To see the trophies lined up in my living room was something I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams. I feel so grateful to have experienced this moment with my family.
“It was amazing welcoming Nedum to my home and then showing him around our sessions in the community. It was a memorable moment for our participants and a day I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
The community day in Mumbai was a celebration of the achievements of Young Leaders and participants of the programme, shining a light on the transformative power of football as a force for good.
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