The renewed partnership includes the Manchester City men’s and women’s teams, and MLS Champions New York City FC and Mumbai City, who are all part of City Football Group (CFG).
Since the partnership started in 2018, the clubs and Xylem have reached more than 1 billion people through water awareness, education and volunteerism initiatives. In this next phase, the partnership aims to accelerate action on critical water challenges by driving a further 100 million people to participate in water-related initiatives in their communities.
“Over the last four years, we have been able to successfully combine our place in the world of football with Xylem’s expertise in water education, to impact a huge number of people globally,” said Roel de Vries, CFG’s group chief operating officer. “Using the voice and influence of Manchester City, NYCFC and Mumbai City, we will continue to raise awareness and change behaviours around sustainable approaches.”
“When it comes to solving major challenges, our voices are more powerful together,” said Patrick Decker, president and CEO of Xylem. “That’s why one of the many ways Xylem advances water security is by engaging external stakeholders to put water on the agenda in new ways and venues. Through our partnership, we are creating a unique and powerful platform to connect with millions of fans around the world, spark conversation on water challenges and solutions – and inspire widespread action.”
To date, the partnership has empowered a global network of over 500 young community football leaders to deliver life-saving water awareness, education, and access to over 20,000 children in eight countries across all continents. Delivered with CFG’s global charity initiative Cityzens Giving, these projects combine football and WASH education with infrastructure upgrades using Xylem technology and expertise.
Xylem will also play a central role in enabling the wider CFG to make its global operations carbon neutral and water positive by 2030. Through technology and consultancy, Xylem will support the development of water usage and discharge strategies to increase efficiency and reduce waste on existing and future estate developments.
