Manchester City and AC Milan recently organized a community football session at Sofive Meadowlands in New Jersey, as a prelude to their pre-season match at Yankee Stadium. This event, held in partnership with PUMA, is part of a broader initiative called ‘City and Milan for Change’. The initiative aims to give back to the local community through various activities centered around the upcoming fixture.
Children from the Success Academy Charter Schools Soccer Program, which has been supported by Fondazione Milan since 2021, and participants from the City In The Community (CITC) Soccerbloc program in Staten Island, were invited to participate in this community session.
They had the opportunity to engage with coaches from both clubs, enhancing their football skills and experience.
Adding to the excitement, the event featured surprise appearances by AC Milan’s Honorary Vice-President Franco Baresi and Manchester City ambassador Shaun Wright-Phillips, who interacted with the children and emphasized the clubs’ commitment to community engagement.
In line with this initiative, the clubs announced further activities to support local communities, including the auctioning of City shirts worn during the fixture.
The proceeds from this auction will benefit City in the Community New York, an organization focused on promoting youth health through football across New York City’s five boroughs. Manchester City pledged to match the funds raised, up to $12,500.
As a key partner, PUMA contributed by providing Manchester City and AC Milan kits and footwear for the children participating in the event. Additionally, the clubs launched their new kits, with Manchester City revealing their third kit globally, and AC Milan unveiling their Away Kit.
Shaun Wright-Phillips expressed the importance of community involvement for Manchester City, highlighting the club’s efforts to engage with and give back to local and global communities.
He also hinted at a special surprise for fans attending the weekend’s match. Franco Baresi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing AC Milan’s dedication to promoting football worldwide and the positive impact initiatives like ‘City and Milan for Change’ can have on communities.
Both clubs expressed excitement about the collaboration and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of football fans.
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