The England midfielder described her two days in Kolkata as an ‘incredible experience’ and got to witness first-hand the positive impact of the Club’s global community work.
Joining City in the Community coaches, the 30-year-old was on hand to help and inspire young leaders from the Healthy Goals project based in India’s second largest city.
Utilising her years’ of experience at the top of the women’s game, Jill was a keen helper as she delivered leadership workshops and coaching clinics to the project’s organisers, while on her final day she was there to support a football festival attended by more than 100 local children.
“It was an incredible experience,” she reflected.
“It’s been a real privilege to come out and see Manchester City’s global community work in action.
“It makes me proud to know that the Club I play for makes a difference, not only in Manchester, but in other communities around the world.
“I’ve really embraced this trip and met some incredible young leaders who are using their passion for football to positively impact their community.
“I hope that by sharing my own leadership experience, delivering coaching workshops and believing in the leaders, I’ve played a small part in their story.
“I’ve had a fantastic time here and it’s an experience that will stay with me for a very long time.”
Since teaming up with charity partner Magic Bus last year, the Healthy Goals project has made a difference to the lives of almost 7000 10-15 year-olds, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the 150 young people who have trained to become football leaders and delivered 1,700 hours of community activities.
Cityzens Giving continues to be a Club-wide effort and in Kolkata we are grateful for the support we receive from local partner Etihad Airways, who are equally as proud of the project’s impact.
“Etihad Airways is delighted to support Manchester City’s community football project in Kolkata,” added Head of Sustainability, Linden Coppell.
“To see the Manchester City coaches inspiring these young leaders to do fantastic work in their local community is great and will leave a lasting legacy in the city.
“This is another exciting collaboration between the club and airline which builds on successful projects we’ve worked on in Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Beijing and New York.”
Over the past three years, City Football Group and its partners have committed £1.5millon to community football projects in twelve cities around the world, with more than 16,000 children and young people being positively impacted.
In addition to funding, all projects access leading edge training in community football and opportunities to share learning on how they are using football as a tool for social good.
To find out more about Manchester City’s global community work, visit mancity.com/cityzensgiving.
