From April 4th to 5th, Your Game Manchester, funded by the Premier League, unfolded at the prestigious Manchester City Football Academy. It was an event that not only showcased the elite side of football but also provided invaluable experiences and insights to 100 participants aged between 14 to 24 who want to learn more about roles in the game.
Day one kicked off with the football showcase, allowing attendees to try a number of different roles in the game in 45-minute workshops. Led by the Manchester Football Association, participants delved into coaching and football development, gaining practical skills and knowledge that extend beyond playing on the field. The event also offered a glimpse into refereeing essentials and youth leadership, thanks to The FA National Youth Council. Finally, the participants learnt about the work of City in the Community and their education opportunities as well as the medical roles in football and how to do CPR courtesy of the British Heart Foundation.
To round off the day, there was a panel discussion held in the media room, featuring esteemed guests Alex Williams MBE, Karen Bardsley MSc OLY, and Keeley Baptista. These accomplished individuals shared their personal journeys in football, not only inspiring attendees but also instilling in them a sense of purpose and determination.
Day two of the event was dedicated to honing the participants' leadership skills and building relationships within the football community. They actively engaged in exercises focused on trust-building and self-expression. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to showcase their understanding of various roles within football, demonstrating their newly acquired youth leadership skills by using their voices to inspire and influence their peers.
The day culminated in an exciting raffle draw, with great prizes like England match tickets, Wembley Stadium tours, and a signed Jack Grealish shirt up for grabs. As the event drew to a close, every participant benefited from personalised support provided by local people who work in the game to chart out their individualised plans to make their next step in their volunteering, education or work pathway in football.
The aim is that the impact of Your Game Manchester extends far beyond the event itself. It aims to leave a lasting legacy in Manchester's football community by empowering these young people to make a tangible difference both now and in the future by working or volunteering as part of the football workforce in the many different roles that football has to offer.