More than fifty guests were in attendance to celebrate the foundation’s 30th year anniversary, raising awareness and funds for its Women and Girls’ programmes in the process.
Held at the Great John Street Hotel, the Barclays Premier sponsored event offered networking opportunities on the roof top terrace, make up lessons by Urban Decay and also included a raffle and silent auction.
With some brilliant prizes up for grabs, guests were in with a chance of winning a Bentley experience, signed MCWFC merchandise, Tunnel Club tickets, and a one night all-inclusive stay at the hotel itself.
Meanwhile, there was an opportunity to hear from City in the Community Ambassador and former player, Alex Williams, as well as Health Officer, Olivia Loughlin.
Olivia was joined by Terrie McDonald, a Premier League works participant whose life has been transformed since joining the foundation’s City Futures programme.
The programme is aimed at young people aged 14-18 who have a history of, or are at risk of offending.
Taught at the Etihad Stadium once a week, participants take part in educational workshops, sport sessions and enrichment activities, including:
- Drug awareness
- Terrorism
- Gun and knife crime
- Ex-prisoner insight
- One punch can kill
Prior to being referred to City Futures in October 2016, Terrie had been working with Stockport Youth Offending Team for over a year due to previous cautions and after being expelled from four different high schools.
Since completing the programme, Terrie successfully applied for a sports coaching apprenticeship with City in the Community, and is currently working on the foundation’s Early Years programme under Olivia’s guidance.
“City in the Community has completely changed my life,” she reflected.
“I honestly think that without the programme, I would be in prison now.
“I was worried that my background would stop me from being able to achieve anything, but they have given me an opportunity to prove myself and I am really enjoying it.
“Looking ahead, I want to pursue a career in football coaching”.
This positive sentiment was echoed by Olivia, with the City in the Community Health Officer adding: “Terrie is an excellent asset to our team.
“Since joining City in the Community, her confidence has gone from strength to strength and she has really grown not just as a person, but a coach as well”.
