Pupils train at the Etihad, thanks to partnership with Manchester City and Kellogg’s
On 12th and 19th June, 144 primary pupils visited the Etihad Stadium for a top-level coaching day, thanks to a partnership between three Manchester-based organisations; Co-op, Kellanova and City in the Community.
With a goal to get local children active, the 7-11 year olds received a once in a lifetime experience to visit the renowned stadium and partake in football activities that would inspire the next generation - whilst also helping encourage school attendance!
City in the Community is Manchester City’s charity, who’s youth-led programme helps promote physical and mental wellbeing in young people across Greater Manchester.
Their partnership with food retailer, Co-op, and Kellogg’s cereal brand, Kellanova, helped pull their resources together to get kids active through the power of football.
Kellanova has previously collaborated with Co-op Academies Trust by funding breakfast clubs in schools through the sales of cereal in Co-op stores. They’ve partnered with the English Football League, Manchester City, Celtic and Rangers to set up Kellogg’s Football Camps, for children aged 7-14 years, with professional coaches. All in aid of supporting parents’ to keep kids active this summer.
Leah Watts, National Account Manager at Kellanova, said:
“Kellogg’s is helping children get active this summer through its Football Camps programme. Consumers can claim their free day by purchasing a promotion pack, going online, entering their details and booking their child’s place.
“New research carried out shows that six in ten (59%) UK parents struggle to entertain their children throughout the school holidays, with more than 8 in 10 parents (86%) wanting their child to experience less screen time during the summer break.
“We are genuinely excited and believe in the camp's success based on the successful work we are already doing with Co-op Academies Trust.”
The three primaries involved in June’s events were Co-op Academy Medlock, Co-op Academy Broadhurst and Co-op Academy New Islington.
Jayden, a parent volunteer attending one of the days, said:
“The day was a great opportunity to show off our skills and show what we can be. It was a great chance to do our best in sports we didn’t know much about. The staff and facilities were amazing. The day was fantastic and gave us all the opportunity to see what we could do in the future.”
The Community Outreach Officer for City in the Community, Peter Bradshaw, said of the events:
“Soccer Schools is one of City in the Community's programmes, supporting its purpose of empowering healthier lives through football. Sessions help provide a safe space for young people to come along to our facilities and try different sports, strengthen friendships, and create positive memories around football participation.
“All students enjoyed visiting our City Football Academy, with lots of comments about how big and impressive it is. And to get the opportunity to play on our blue pitch, the energy and excitement could be heard and felt. An extra treat was having lunch in the stands at the Joie Stadium where a few commented on it being their first time in a football stadium.
“Soccer Schools sit under our 'Healthy People' pillar, with a core outcome to improve physical and mental wellbeing. We delivered four different activities on a carousel that we felt would engage the mixed abilities within the group, making sure to make it achievable for those who have less of an interest in sports, whilst also stretching the currently more able in the group. We focused on teamwork, kindness and making sure everyone felt included, while having fun all the while!
“The staff and students from Co-op Academy Medlock were a credit to the Academy, with great manners and behaviour displayed throughout. They showed kindness to their peers while participating, listened to their teachers at all times and were respectful to their City coaches throughout.”
Rifat Mirza, Year 6 teacher at Co-op Academy Medlock, said:
“Every child was catered for and said they had such a fun day. The day was exactly what the children needed after the SATs. There was an array of activities for the children to try and practise. The coaches were amazing with their groups. They were supportive and encouraging and our parent volunteers were able to experience the day with their child. We were well looked after and the day was very well organised. To top it all off - the rain stayed away! We hope to experience many more opportunities like this.”
