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City goalkeeper Joe Hart was the latest player to help out with the Club’s commitment to the Premier League’s 'Creating Chances' initiative this week.
The 21-year-old visited schoolchildren at Hazel Grove High School in Stockport on Tuesday, where he helped to coach a group of around 20 young people with disabilities.
Joe was joined by former City keeper Alex Williams MBE, as they helped to launch a new partnership between Stockport Council and the Club’s award-winning Charity City in the Community (CITC), which is managed by Alex.
The agreement between the two will see CITC coaches deliver drugs awareness, healthy living and environmental awareness sessions.
The coaches will also provide football coaching for young people with disabilities, ranging from Cerebral Palsy to severe learning disabilities, for over 1,500 Stockport pupils over the next year.
And they started by running a football session, assisted by the City and England stopper, who closed the session by facing a penalty shoot out with the pupils.
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Speaking to mcfc.co.uk at the event, Joe said: “I’m sure everyone who’s been asked to support Creating Chances has been more than happy to help. All the lads that did it last season and those this year [Richard Dunne and Elano] have been quite happy to do so and give something back into the community.
“It’s great to come to schools like this, there are quite a lot of supporters of the Club here too, so it’s good to get involved and see what’s going on. Manchester City do great work in the community and we’re the players and it’s our duty to be here representing that too.
“There’s always that nervousness when you come on a visit that people aren’t going to know who you are or you’re not going to have quite the impact that they wanted. So it’s a great buzz when people are happy to have me visit places like here.
“I owe it back to them because I was a kid myself and wanted to be involved in things like this. It’s hard for me to feel like a role model, but as long as I can turn up and hopefully put a smile on a few faces, it means a lot to me.
“It just proves that, at the same time all we’re doing is a job, but it’s a game that’s loved throughout the country. No matter how or where it’s played, whether it’s out on a windy Astroturf pitch or in a big stadium, you enjoy it just the same and it’s great to do.”
Also at the session was Leader of Stockport Council, Councillor Dave Goddard, who added: “Joe is an inspiration to young people and we’re delighted that he and other City personnel are on hand to show Stockport children and young people what can be achieved through dedication, team work, ambition and awareness.
“I want every child in Stockport to be able to make the most of themselves and to succeed in their own chosen area. It really helps to see the stars in action and Joe is certainly a star.”
Council funding for the scheme has come from the 2008-09 Priorities Initiative Fund which benefits local communities in the borough.
The disability football programme is for pupils aged between 7-11 and those of secondary school age with special needs. It is part of the Council’s drive to provide high quality and sustainable opportunities for children and young people to take part in sport and physical activity.
Read up on the Club's other Creating Chances appearances this season by clicking below:
Elano promotes healthy eating at Pau Brasil Restaurant >
Skipper shows his green fingers at a Wythenshaw Primary School >
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