Coaches from City in the Community have been delivering training to 40 Young Leaders from FundLife in Tacloban City in the Philippines, sharing expertise and knowledge in leadership, community football and water education.
As one of five new Water Heroes Academy projects, it will see Young Leaders use specially adapted football games from Xylem’s Football & Water Education learning modules, to educate young people in the community on flood safety, as well as the importance of safe water access, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Although most of the Philippines’ 100m population have access to basic water services, access remains inequitable across the country, with 20 million people still lacking access to basic sanitation facilities. 1
The training culminated in a community football festival, with Young Leaders putting their learnings into practice and educating local children from the community.
The festival was also attended by representatives from Xylem Southeast Asia, who will continue to mentor the Young Leaders, supporting them in the development of their community water project.
Speaking about the experience, Mary, a Young Leader from Tacloban City, said: “Participating in the Young Leader training alongside Manchester City coaches was a truly rewarding experience.
“This training has improved my ability to empower children and ensure the sustainability of our programmes. I am dedicated to implementing these valuable water lessons immediately to transform the lives of the children we work with.”
Tacloban City is one of five new cities receiving funding as part of Water Heroes Academy for the next two years, alongside Bangalore, Barranquilla, Nairobi and Washington DC.
They join an existing network of inspiring water heroes in Buenos Aires, Cape Coast, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City and Melbourne, all of whom took part in a three-day digital Summit in May, connecting Young Leaders and Xylem experts from all ten cities to share learnings on tackling water challenges through football, equipping them for the new season.
“We are delighted to progress our joint Xylem and Cityzens Giving initiative based on our powerful shared values, to empower young people to improve their communities through their own passion and creativity,” said Fiona Cole, Global Head of Brand and Partnerships at Xylem.
“Water is possibly the most fundamental element to our world, and a precious resource which is under threat. Combining water education with football is a fantastic example of a partnership with purpose, that delivers real impact.”
Since its launch in 2021, the programme has engaged over 200 young leaders and delivered vital water education to more than 12,000 young people in ten cities.
Later this season, City fans will have a chance to learn more about the five new Water Heroes Academy projects and vote for their favourite young water heroes.
