Manchester City’s global charity initiative, Cityzens Giving, and its official Water Technology Partner, Xylem, have announced the expansion of Xylem Water Heroes Academy, a global initiative in ten cities using the power of football to tackle local water challenges.
Since its launch in 2021, Xylem Water Heroes Academy has engaged over 75 young leaders and delivered water education to more than 6,000 young people in five cities: São Paulo, Mumbai, Cape Town, New York City and Shanghai.
The expanded network, which now also comprises youth-led projects in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Cape Coast, Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne, aims to impact 20,000 more young people over the next 4 years.
To mark the launch, Pablo Zabaleta and the Premier League Trophy visited El Coyolito neighbourhood in Mexico City to meet Cityzens Giving young leaders who are using the power of football to solve local water issues.
This project will see young leaders from love.fútbol use specially adapted football games to educate young people in the community on responsible water consumption, as well as importance of safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Reflecting on his visit, Zabaleta said: “It’s great to see this unique initiative from Cityzens Giving and Xylem expanding to more cities. The way they are using football to teach children about the importance of water is creative and inspiring.”
Source: Xylem, Photo Courtesy: Hector Vivas/Getty Images
