“He’s become more like the boy we knew before lockdown”: we are City in the Community- Louise's story | OneFootball

Each month, Manchester City’s charity, City in the Community (CITC), spotlights its work and programmes through the voices and stories of its participants across Manchester.

This month we spoke to Louise, whose children Callum and Lewis have both been attending CITC Soccer Schools for the past three years.

After lockdown, Lewis suffered with separation anxiety, which meant he struggled spending time apart from his parents and brother.

However, coming to the CITC sessions has helped Lewis regain his confidence and make new friends. What was Lewis and Callum’s confidence like before coming to the sessions and how has coming the session helped?

"Callum has always been confident, however I was really worried for Lewis not being placed in a session group with Callum’s.

"But this has actually really helped him, being placed in a separate group.

"He had to do things for himself and not be so dependent on Callum.

"Attending Soccer Schools, being around so many people, allowed Lewis to really came on with his confidence." Would you say there was a certain turning point for Lewis?

"Coming to the sessions after lockdown gave them a break away from the routine of just being in the house and playing on screens.

"They got to meet so many new friends in a great place full of fun and activities, with friendly coaches who took time ensure the environment was safe.

"Soccer Schools offered opportunities for Callum to meet new young people his age, all from across Manchester which meant he found himself not having to rely on his brother. "It’s been brilliant for their social development and we are very grateful that City in the Community have supported Lewis and Callum."

Why do you think it is important for children to have the opportunity to come to Soccer Schools?

"I think it’s important because it allows them to stay active during the school holidays.

"It provides them with a good routine, and it keeps them fit and healthy, plus they really enjoy being active, rather than just sitting and gaming all day.

"It’s also somewhere I feel happy and comfortable leaving the boys." Overall, how has Soccer Schools benefitted your children?

"It’s been a really good experience for both boys and they both love attending.

"Lewis has learnt to be able to do things for himself and not to worry not being with his family.

"He loves playing football, which is a big reason why he likes going, but I think it’s also the relationships he has built with the coaches and other participants which has allowed him to become more like the boy we knew before lockdown.

"It’s a safe place, somewhere the boys enjoy and where they are able to keep fit and active." City in the Community’s Soccer Schools engage participants aged 6-16 in open access football, increasing physical activity throughout the school holidays with regular sessions in communities across the city.  Participants are provided with free full day structured coaching sessions as well as free food provision at all sites to tackle holiday hunger throughout the city.

Sessions are also adapted to include educational and supportive workshops to highlight important topics such as mental health and anti-bullying. Our Soccer Schools are delivered in a host of venues around Manchester including the following:

For more information about our Soccer Schools, or if you would like to book your child a place, please contact us at citcsoccerschools@cityfootball.com.

CITC's Soccer Schools are supported by Manchester City Council's Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF), click here to find out more.

With thanks to Blue Emergency Cover for their support of the We Are CITC series.

Protect your home and support City in the Community- sign up for Blue Emergency Cover using code CITC20 to contribute to the campaign while enjoying reliable boiler insurance.

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To find out more, visit: https://blueemergencycover.co.uk/

City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football. To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity.