“The programme has changed my motivation and aspirations” - We Are CITC: Shane’s story | OneFootball

Each month, Manchester City’s Charity, City in the Community (CITC) is spotlighting its work and programmes through the voices and stories of its participants across Manchester.

In the latest story in the participant series, ‘We Are City in the Community’ we hear Shane’s story.  Shane has a been a regular attender of CITC’s Soccer School sessions for the past twelve years.

The group has always been a big support for him, especially when starting secondary school, where he was struggling with change, with Soccer Schools becoming the one constant in his life.

Shane explained how the Soccer Schools sessions helped him though this tough period at school.

“The programme has really changed my motivation and aspirations. In year seven I did very well in school, then my teachers changed in year 8 and I struggled,” Shane said.

“But City in the Community was always there and Soccer Schools has really helped me. I tend to lose concentration easily in school, but CITC have helped with my concentration, and I think I’m doing a lot better in year 9.” Shane also spoke about the thing he looks forward to the most when attending Soccer School sessions.

“I look forward to every holiday because I know I’m going to City. My favourite thing about coming to Soccer Schools is making new friends and playing football.

“Playing at the City Football Academy is amazing. Playing football at the same place as my heroes inspires me.”

CITC Soccer Schools engage participants in open access football, increasing physical activity throughout the school holidays with regular sessions in communities across the city.

Participants are provided with free full day structured coaching sessions as well as free food provision to tackle holiday hunger in the most deprived areas of the city.

Sessions are also adapted to include educational and supportive workshops to highlight important topics such as mental health and anti-bullying.

Shane is now a very confident individual, on and off the pitch, using his passion to become a leader within the group.

Shane's mum, Jenny, shared how she felt Soccer Schools had impacted Shane positively.

“The sessions are very important, and they mean a lot to him as he absolutely loves football and is a massive Manchester City fan. It keeps him healthy, builds his confidence, teaches him discipline and respect and he comes home with a big smile on his face,” Jenny said.

With thanks to Blue Emergency Cover for their support of the We Are CITC series.

Protect your home and support City in the Community—sign up for Blue Emergency Cover using code CITC20 to contribute to the campaign while enjoying reliable insurance.

To find out more, visit: https://blueemergencycover.co.uk/

City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.

To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity.