Dias makes CITC surprise! | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Ruben Dias made a surprise appearance at a City in the Community session this week, ahead of Saturday's matchday takeover for City's Premier League clash with Brighton.

City Inspires participants, who were taking part in a session in Newton Heath, were shocked to see the arrival of Dias and Nedum Onuoha, former Manchester City player and CITC Trustee.

The pair appeared at Scotland Hall Road Park, which City in the Community regenerated in 2023, helping to create a safe and inclusive space for local residents to play.

12 City Inspires participants from a Year 8 Chorlton High School class enjoyed a basketball shoot out challenge with Dias and Onuoha, followed by a photo and signing session.

Commenting on his visit Dias said: “I’ve really enjoyed spending time with City in the Community today.

“I think you can tell by the reaction from the kids today, it’s visits like this that enable you to inspire someone without even really realising it, and that’s what it’s all about.

“Before playing professionally I was just enjoying playing at my school and with my friends in the streets. It’s memories like these that are maybe the best memories. It’s just joy, it’s just fun and it’s just pure, and that’s how you want to keep it for youngsters.”

Dias also surprised one participant and huge Manchester City fan, Randa, by gifting free tickets to the Community Match Day, alongside the opportunity to announce Dias off the bus on the Blue Carpet.

Speaking at the session, Randa said: “It was absolutely amazing! I never expected for the surprise to happen, it felt like I was dreaming!

“The CITC sessions help to boost my self-confidence and socialise with my friends. and make new friends. I used to be shy, not very talkative, but once I got to know people, with help from the coaches, I opened up a lot more and started talking more.”

Dias added: “You never know the huge impact you might have on someone’s little step at a time. And I think that is a beautiful thing to do and a beautiful place to be.

“Randa was shy at first but you could see how happy she was and I believe she had no idea our surprise was coming!

“I heard she was a massive City fan, so I really felt she was happy. It’s these things that can spark someone’s future, so it’s an honour to be a little bit part of it.”

Those travelling to the stadium via matchday tram and bus routes might also notice a familiar voice in Ruben Dias, as he takes over the announcement system to help profile City in the Community.

Fans can support the charity’s work through the City in the Community Prize Draw.

Each month, fans around the world* can get their hands on signed player shirts, cash prizes and even matchday tickets through the CITC Prize Draw. It runs each month, and you can enter for just £5 a ticket.

Supporters can enter on a one-off basis, or they can sign up to a direct debit, meaning they enter the draw monthly automatically. Fans have until the 28th of each month at 12:00 GMT to enter!

Every penny raised goes towards sustaining the charity’s programmes, which empower healthier lives through football.

To take part in the prize draw, or to find out more, visit: www.mancity.com/citcprizedraw

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

To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow @CITCmancity.

*Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Qatar, Lebanon, and North Korea are the only excluded countries from the prize draw.