The City Football Group (CFG) has announced the extension of its global partnership with the water technology leader, Xylem.
Manchester City‘s men’s and women’s teams, as well as New York City FC and Mumbai City FC, who are part of CFG, are all included in this new multi-year extended partnership.
To date, the clubs and Xylem have managed to reach more than 1 billion people through water awareness, schooling, and volunteerism projects that progress their common purpose of developing a sustainable universe. The firm’s next phase aims to accelerate action on critical water challenges by engaging an additional 100 million people in water-related measures in their societies.
According to the United Nations, 3.2 billion people will live in gravely water-stressed areas by 2050 if climate change continues at existing rates. Through exercises and discussions that instruct societies on the value of water, as well as initiatives to improve basic sanitation access, the three clubs and Xylem are trying to elevate water within the global conversation on climate change.
In the last four years, the collaboration has enabled a worldwide network of over 500 young community football leaders to provide life-saving water consciousness, education, and access to over 20,000 children across eight countries and continents. These projects, supplied in collaboration with CFG’s global charity venture Cityzens Giving, integrate football and WASH education with new infrastructure utilising Xylem knowledge and equipment.
Roel de Vries, City Football Group’s Group Chief Operating Officer, commented, “We’re delighted to be able to announce the extension of the partnership with Xylem today. 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. Using the voice and influence of Manchester City, NYCFC and Mumbai City, we will continue to raise awareness and change behaviours around sustainable approaches. We look forward to continuing this work over the coming years.”
Patrick Decker, President and CEO of Xylem, said, “When it comes to solving major challenges, our voices are more powerful together. 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. We’re energized by the opportunities that lie ahead, and the potential to accelerate progress in our mission to solve water.”
Xylem, Manchester City, and PUMA collaborated in 2021 to initiate the world’s first sports jersey devoted solely to raising issues of water challenges. The jersey was made with a special dope dye manufacturing method that involves less water. The initiative brought together a diverse group of athletes from Manchester City’s men’s, women’s, and academy teams to assist football and safe water initiatives worldwide.
Xylem will also play an important role in accomplishing the City Football Group’s overall sustainability goal of becoming carbon neutral and water positive by 2030. Xylem will enable the growth of water usage and release strategies to improve efficiency and reduce wastages on existing and future estate developments through new tech and advisory support.