As the final days of June approached a momentous meeting of young minds took place in Manchester.
The Cityzens Giving Young Leaders Summit, presented by Etihad Airways, brought together 40 Young Leaders from 20 cities around the world together – including three Young Leaders from New York City.
“It’s amazing that I was able to get this experience,” said Giselle, one of three representatives from the Five Boroughs. “Being at the summit is really exciting. It’s so many connections and we all have ideas and we can all relate to programming with soccer and it’s like little things that connect us all together. It’s like amazing that I was able to get this experience.
The summit returned to an in-person event for the first time since 2019, with participants selected for their dedication to supporting young people through soccer during the pandemic as well as their achievements in impacting the lives of young people through the beautiful game.
Drawing together inspiring young people from as far afield as Buenos Aires and Bangalore, the sharing of ideas and passion was supplemented by training from City in the Community coaches so that every participant could return to their community and continue their stellar work.
Speaking ahead of the event, Tom Pitchon, City Football Group’s Global Foundation Director said: “It is a privilege to be working with such an inspiring group of young leaders from around the world. The work they do to change lives through football day in day out is an inspiration to all of us and this summit is a way to celebrate and energize the incredible impact they are having in their communities.”
There was even time for a special surprise as participants met some former Manchester City players and legends including Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joleon Lescott, and Karen Bardsley.
A wonderful celebration of young people striving to make a difference in their communities, those involved exemplify the positive impact you can have on those around you using soccer.
