Latest news with #CITC
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cushing visits City in the Community session ahead of matchday takeover
Cushing visits City in the Community session ahead of matchday takeover Nick Cushing took time out to visit a City in the Community session ahead of the charity's matchday takeover this weekend. Our Interim Head Coach met youngsters from City in the Community's Soccer Schools and Premier League Kicks participants during a coaching session from the charity's degree students. Advertisement The youngsters enjoyed taking part in a team drill with Cushing, before he was able to share his coaching knowledge during a Q&A, before signing items, handing out free tickets and taking selfies. Prize draw: win and support citc! The visit took place at Bradford Park, a site close to the Etihad Stadium which is being regenerated by City in the Community as part of its Healthy Goals programme. Cushing finished his visit by revealing to students what the new pitch, supported by Manchester City's Official Fashionwear Partner CP Company, will look like. Speaking after the visit, Cushing said: 'I really loved being with the children and being out in the local community today - any chance you get to be around fans from our area is an amazing experience. Advertisement 'I think it's great that the Club is celebrating City in the Community this weekend because it's really important for us to recognise our charity. 'CITC does an incredible job of not only offering new opportunities but also recognising that our fans and the local community are the most important part of Manchester City. "Visiting their sessions is always an amazing time and something that I really enjoy.' Manchester City Women will be celebrating its charity, City in the Community (CITC), at its matchday against Everton on Sunday 20th April. Fans will be able to access bonus community content, including within the matchday programme, during half-time and across digital channels. Advertisement CITY v EVERTON: GET YOUR TICKETS The fixture will also see the return of the popular 'hand-drawn' graphics on social media, as local school children were once again invited to draw their favourite Manchester City stars. The stadium, which is being renamed 'The City in the Community Joie Stadium' for the day, will come alive with charity branded banners before kick-off. Players will also be showing their support for the charity by warming up in City in the Community branded tops and donating them, alongside the matchday's worn shirts, for fundraising. Elsewhere, the day is being used to create once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for City in the Community participants, including meeting the players, joining the media teams, half-time activities and waving flags on the pitch. Advertisement Bid on men's team worn items To coincide with the celebrations, City in the Community has added a special Manchester City Women's training experience into its new monthly prize draw, and introduced a 'buy one get one free' offer for match-goers. Every fan who purchases a ticket to the MCWFC v Everton fixture and subscribes to the City in the Community Prize Draw will automatically double their chances to win in the month of April*. Fans around the world** have the chance to win 'money can't buy' prizes such as pitch side experiences at Etihad Stadium matchdays, watching the first team train at the City Football Academy and more! April's month of prizes include: Pitchside Experience - watch the players warm up from an unmatched location at Men's Manchester City vs Bournemouth fixture at the Etihad. Women's Training Experience - Watch our Women's Team train exclusively behind the scenes. Erling Haaland 24/25 Signed Shirt - Manchester City 24/25 Replica Shirt, personally signed by Erling Haaland. Jack Grealish 23/24 Signed Shirt - Manchester City 23/24 Replica Away Shirt, personally signed by Jack Grealish. Advertisement The 'City in the Community Prize Draw' is powered by Raise Your Game, and your support will go towards sustaining the charity's programmes, which all empower healthier lives through football. Entries start at £5 per 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. You have until 11:59 GMT on 28 April to enter for the first month! Fans can also get their hands on worn, warm-up mid-layers from the Men's Manchester City v Brighton fixture on Saturday 15th March. Make your bids by clicking here. Alongside our new Prize Draw and auction, you can be the first to hear about City in the Community's events and news! Advertisement Manchester City's charity is delighted to now be providing fans with regular email updates, including announcements of exciting initiatives before anyone else. To sign up and hear more all you need to do is click here and fill out some simple details. City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football. To find out more, visit or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity. Terms and Conditions. Winners from the City in the Community Prize Draw are drawn on 28th of each month at midday (GMT +1). All ticket holders for Manchester City Women vs Everton Women on 20th April, including Season Ticket Members, are eligible for the April offer if they subscribe to the City in the Community Prize Draw. Advertisement CITC Prize Draw tickets for those eligible will be automatically doubled in the week commencing 21st of April. **Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Qatar, Lebanon, and North Korea are the only excluded countries from the prize draw.
BBC News
23-03-2025
- BBC News
The paradise islands that don't want to be Hawaii
The Cook Islands is proving that sustainable tourism isn't just possible – it's essential. Here's how this South Pacific nation is preserving their paradise for generations for come. Landing on Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands chain felt like stepping back in time. Gazing out of the taxi from Rarotonga airport to our resort, we were immediately struck by the absence of high-rise hotels, fast-food restaurants and corporate chains. There were no traffic lights, only coconut palms lining the road, the scent of salt and frangipani drifting through the air and the jungle meeting the ocean in a seamless panorama. It felt like Hawaii in the 1960s: uncrowded, laid-back and refreshingly authentic. Our taxi driver pointed to a low-slung resort along the shoreline. "No building can be higher than a coconut tree," she said. This isn't just a local tradition but a law set in 1965 by the Cook Islands' first premier, Albert Henry, to prevent overdevelopment. She explained that only Cook Islanders can own land, ensuring that large corporations don't dominate the landscape. We looked out onto hotels blending naturally into their surroundings and white-sand beaches ringed with long green parks, all free from litter and crowds. We soon learned that this preservation of paradise is deeply intentional. Cook Islanders have made a conscious effort to ensure that Rarotonga never follows the path of overdevelopment seen in places like Honolulu. Instead, locals have committed to conservation, low-impact tourism and sustainable practices that benefit both locals and visitors. "People come here because it is a paradise uncluttered by overdevelopment," explained Jeremy Goodwin, regenerative tourism manager for the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CITC). "Our sacred duty as custodians of the land is to look after our paradise." The Cook Islands, an archipelago of 15 islands between New Zealand and Hawaii, has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1965. With a total population of 21,000, the islands are divided into two groups: the Southern Cook Islands, which includes the more accessible Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and the remote Northern Cook Islands, made up of low-lying coral atolls. Cook Islanders have their own Māori language, with different dialects across the islands. And while tourism is a key industry, the islanders have ensured that sustainability remains at the nation's core. "For hundreds of years, the protection of the Cook Islands relied on the traditional Ra'ui System where access to a particular resource or area is forbidden for a given period," explained Karla Eggelton, CEO of CITC. "The system aims to conserve food resources and protect ecological conditions in lagoons, reefs and other marine resources." This philosophy persists today – and extends beyond the sea. On the northern island of Pukapuka, for example, locals have practiced sustainable living for centuries, packing up their belongings and sailing by boat to another atoll within the lagoon for seasonal periods to prevent resource depletion. They fish and farm only what they need, maintaining a delicate balance with nature. On arrival at The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium, staff welcomed us with a warm "Kia Orana", a greeting that translates to "may you live long". It's a unique gesture of friendship from islanders renowned for their hospitality and warmth. The resort overlooks the Aroa Lagoonarium, a snorkelling haven and a sanctuary for butterflyfish, parrotfish and angelfish. Part natural lagoon and part enclosed habitat, it is designed to support marine conservation, serving both as a coral nursery and a protected area for marine life to flourish. As the days passed, we saw how sustainability is woven into everyday life across the islands. At the Muri Night Market, a popular outdoor dinner option, we watched vendors prepare island dishes like ika mata (raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk) and rukau rukau (taro leaves in coconut cream), all using local ingredients. We were struck by the market's Rent-a-Plate project, where visitors can borrow reusable plates and cutlery instead of using disposable plastic. Cook Islanders also promote clean water initiatives. We purchased reusable bottles from the visitor's centre and refilled them at free UV-treated water stations around the island, a project led by the Te Ipukarea Society to minimise plastic waste. Beyond sustainable dining, Cook Islanders have taken marine conservation to a global scale. In 2017, the country established the Marae Moana Marine Park, making the 15 islands the world's largest multi-use marine protected area, covering 1.9 million square kilometres. The legislation also bans large-scale commercial fishing and seabed mining within 50 nautical miles of each island. "Marae Moana is the idea of shared space, a new concept of creating a sanctuary and the conservation effort that allows for shared, sustainable activity," said Eggelton. Also offering opportunities for sustainable tourism is Aitutaki, a bucolic island neighbouring Rarotonga that's known for its snow-white sand beaches, volcanic rock, coconut palms and crystal-clear lagoons. Here the Pacific Resort Aitutaki has launched a coral restoration project where guests can take part by affixing coral fragments to underwater mesh tables, helping regenerate the reef. "The project is an example of Mana Tiaki or island conservation," explains Goodwin. "Mana Tiaki means guardianship with a sacred purpose." He explained that culturally, for most Polynesians, the ocean is sacrosanct. "The beaches bring tourists to this holiday destination, but they also connect Cook Islanders to the ocean." As the days passed, we explored the endless powdery white-sand beaches that ring Rarotonga, from Aroa Beach where fiery, colourful sunsets painted the sky with hues of vivid orange and crimson to serene and scenic Titikaveka Beach. They were all pristine and uncrowded, lined by palm trees, parkways and picnic tables. Most were unobstructed, with no commercial buildings to obstruct the view. More like this:• New Zealand's 'vanished world' of ancient megafauna• The 333 islands opening to the world• Saving the night sky: New Zealand's craziest experiment yet? At Muri Beach, we opted for a sea turtle snorkelling tour. Our guide, Eric, explained the importance of turtles to the Cook Islands economically, environmentally and culturally. Daily tour operators earn an income by taking paying passengers to see these graceful, curious creatures. Plus, sea turtles are a key indicator of coastal ecosystem health, so monitoring and preservation are vital. Eric told us about a rescuer who found a turtle caught in a fishing net. Once freed, the Te Ara O Te Onu (Cook Island Sea Turtle Society) rehabilitated the turtle, as they have done dozens of times in the past. In addition to the society's efforts, visitors are encouraged to help track turtle movement through the Citizen Science Project by taking photos and sending them into the programme. By the time our trip had come to an end, we better understood how Cook Islanders have created a blueprint for preserving paradise by blending ancient conservation methods with modern environmental initiatives. "It's about leaving both the people and the place better off than you found it," said Eggelton. Goodwin echoed the sentiment: This is our little paradise; if we all look after it, she will look after us." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Guardiola hopeful Bobb will return soon
Pep Guardiola says Oscar Bobb 'feels better' now after a leg injury that has ruled him out since last August. Bobb played in the Community Shield more than seven months ago before suffering a leg injury in training that has forced him to sit out the 2024/25 season to date. The 21-year-old seemed set to build on his breakthrough 2023/24 campaign after an exciting pre-season before the setback. Club to celebrate CITC in Brighton game While he didn't make any suggestion about Saturday's game with Brighton, Guardiola now thinks the Norwegian playmaker is nearing a return to contention. 'I hope so,' he said when asked in Friday's press conference if Bobb could feature after the upcoming international break. 'He's training now regularly and feels really better. He played a friendly game yesterday with the second team because he has to be on the pitch. WATCH: Pep Guardiola | City v Brighton press conference | Embargo section 'It's difficult for me because all the people up front are available. We want to bring him some minutes and that's why it's going to happen. It's difficult to dictate how he feels just in training. 'It's good to see for himself in his mind he's fine and perfect and that he can do what he wants to do. Then he will have the same chances with the other ones to be in the team.' Guardiola also backed Bobb's fellow Academy graduate Rico Lewis in Friday's press conference. The 20-year-old Bury-born defender and midfielder has already played 36 times this season, surpassing his 27 appearances in each of the last two terms. However, it's set to be the first year in his fledgling career that doesn't end with a Premier League winner's medal and after winning four senior England caps in the autumn, he hasn't been selected by Thomas Tuchel this time around. Despite that, Guardiola says this season will help Lewis grow as a player and professional. 'Since pre-season he's been always available no injury. I admire players who live 24 hours to be fit and ready and he's done it since the pre-season,' began the boss. WATCH: Memorable moments: City v Brighton 'He plays a lot of minutes and deserves it. Of course he can have more minutes and give us something really good. 'He's so young, people forget how young he is and is a big success with the under-21s, the future of every player depends on them. 'Always he's been confident, he's so strong, he makes a mistake he's present again in the action. 'He arrived like Phil and every time it's Premier League, Premier League, Premier League, but this is also a reality of football. He's living a season he hasn't seen before. It's tough. 'I'm pretty sure it'll help him to realise wow, it can happen as well to have a bad season, bad moments. It's how you react to that.' Our official Man City app allows you to follow all of the action from Manchester in one place. Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at around 13:45 (UK). Toni Duggan and Steve Howey will be the guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action. During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues. Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news. Short highlights will be available from 19:00 (UK), whilst extended highlights and a full-match replay [available on CITY+] can be accessed from midnight.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dias makes CITC surprise!
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: City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football. To find out more, visit or follow @CITCmancity. *Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Qatar, Lebanon, and North Korea are the only excluded countries from the prize draw.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
CITC announce Premier League Community captain
The Club's charity, City in the Community (CITC), has named its Primary Schools Manager as this year's Community Captain, as part of the Premier League's 'More Than A Game' campaign. The 'More Than A Game' campaign highlights how Premier League funding and club community programme delivery positively impacts the lives of millions. To celebrate the campaign and its message, all club charities were asked to nominate a Community Captain who demonstrates a commitment to their club and/or community. CITC nominated Primary Schools, Lucy Gaskell-Milward, as its Community Captain as part of the celebration. Lucy joined City in the Community more than seven years ago as Primary Schools Manager, where she has continued to show long-term dedication and commitment to CITC, highly impacting the work within Primary Education across Greater Manchester. Lucy has worked tirelessly to ensure that her provision is of continuous high quality, achieving tangible and meaningful outcomes for young people within Greater Manchester. She has driven her team in such a positive and supportive manner to ensure that her department empowers healthier lives through football everyday within all partner primary schools, ensuring that her provision meets current needs and priorities of the primary education sector and of young people within local communities in Manchester. WATCH: CITC Community Premier League captain Lisa McKay, Head of Operations nominated Lucy for the award, saying: 'With Lucy's passion, ambition, innovation and leadership CITC have seen their primary school provision go from strength to strength. 'It is now recognised as one of the leading Primary School PE partners creating positive change across Manchester working closely with over 4,000 unique participants each year and 3,000 session hours delivered annually. 'Lucy is a fantastic role model to all at CITC, especially to the younger female staff and participants, as she consistently champions female empowerment, equality and inclusivity. 'The continual development of her work extends into the community creating a lasting legacy of creating positive opportunities and experiences within sport and PE, improving physical health and mental health and wellbeing and building confidence and self-esteem within young people of Manchester. 'Lucy oozes with the passion and desire to make a positive change in Manchester and give young people hope and aspirations for a brighter future.' Lucy was surprised earlier in the week by Lisa and Club legend Paul Dickov, who presented the award to her in Manchester City's Studio 1. Lucy's achievement was further celebrated during Manchester City's game against Newcastle United where she received the award again at half-time. Talking about what this award means to her Lucy said: 'It's amazing, I'm really overwhelmed, I wasn't expecting it but it's really nice to be thought of by the team and in this way.' The Premier League's 'More Than A Game' campaign was launched on 12 February, and it will run until 26 in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football. To find out more, visit or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity.
