New York based Manchester City supporters have handed over an incredible sum of money for New York City FC’s Soccer in the City community program.
The official MCFC branch, who meet at The Mad Hatter bar on Third Avenue for every City game, have presented a $7,000 check which will greatly benefit New York City FC’s charitable endeavours in East Harlem.
New York City FC run a range of community projects across the five boroughs which aim to improve the lives of young people through soccer.
The New York Blues, or “Mad Hatter Blues”, as they’re affectionately known, have now raised in excess of $20,000 for causes in New York and beyond for the past four seasons – a sum which includes $9,000 since July.
Director of Community Development at New York City FC. Paul Jeffries, was a driving force behind the creation of City Soccer’s rooftop soccer field at Lexington Academy in East Harlem.
Jeffries believes that this donation from the supporters group is a “true demonstration of the community spirit.”
He said: “The money they’ve raised has been used for many excellent initiatives over the years, projects that really make a difference to local communities or individuals that need support in times of hardship.”
“In this instance the funds will be used to give the gift of soccer to underprivileged children in Harlem, and I’m proud to accept it on their behalf. The fans that gather every week to cheer on the team are not only great supporters of the club, they are also great supporters of the New York City community.”
“To have raised $7,000 from collections at the Mad Hatter last season is truly remarkable. New York City FC are immensely grateful for their continued support of Soccer in the City.”
The New York Blues are a group of loyal supporters who have seen their numbers swell in recent years, growing from a small group of British ex-pats to a large collective featuring a majority of native New Yorkers.
Membership Manager of the Supporters Club, John Pepper, has witnessed this shift in demographic and he believes that raising money to aid affiliated charitable organizations is at the heart of the spirit of the “Mad Hatters” group.
“We used to raise money sporadically at games but now it’s something we do every week,” Pepper declared. “It has become an important part of being in the supporters club and we take it very seriously.”
“We’ve got a great spirit at the Mad Hatter; it’s great that we can raise funds for charity at the same time as watching the game we all love. Manchester City has always been known as a community club and we wanted to extend that sentiment to the benefit of New York.”
“We feel it makes sense that our charity begins at home and where better than East Harlem. We know the donations are being used well by New York City FC and we’re delighted that it’s going to a worthwhile cause that’s making such a difference to people’s lives.”
