As part of Manchester City’s community matchday takeover during Saturday’s Barclays Women's Super League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, and to mark International Women’s Day, several female participants were given one-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
[Players and children walk out on the field at Joie Stadium, home of Manchester City, with the crowd in the background.
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City celebrates its charity at Women's Super League Matchday takeover](https://www.mancity.com/citytv/womens/citc-community-matchday-takeover-wrap-63909949)
International Women’s Day 2026 follows a theme of ‘Give To Gain’, encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Using the theme as a tool to empower others, Manchester City and City in the Community provided six young females matchday opportunities.
JOURNALIST SHADOW
Bethany, a 93:20 participant, accompanied Club journalists for a several days of industry experience.
Starting by working on a piece for the matchday programme, Bethany then attended the Andree Jeglertz press conference 48-hours ahead of the matchday.
During the matchday, Bethany became part of the on-the-day Club journalist team, joining them for their pre-match and post-match interviews, as well as writing live content for the Manchester City website.
Commenting on her time spent with the Club journalists, Bethany said: “It’s been a really great experience with George and the team, especially seeing the behind-the-scenes of journalism.
“It’s just been so interesting to find out how important their roles are.
“This experience has meant everything. It’s such a big part of my life, it’s what I want to do in the future, it’s been so inspirational to see them in their jobs.”
SOCIAL MEDIA SHADOW
Young primary school participant Eliora joined the Manchester City social team, to learn about how matchdays are shared on social media channels.
Eliora helped staff member Amy introduce the community matchday on Instagram to the Man City Women’s channel followers, before becoming a mascot for the lunchtime kick off.
Commenting on her day Eliora said: “Today was absolutely amazing. I got to take part in being a social media presenter, I got to meet my favourite player, Khiara Keating. It was the best day.”
TEAM WARM-UP ANNOUNCER
Libby, who is a current second year student on the City Degree, in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, met the matchday stadium announcement team, having the opportunity to welcome the Manchester City Women’s Team out onto the pitch for their pre-match warm-ups.
PHOTOGRAPHY SHADOW
BTEC and 93:20 participant Alice, was provided with the opportunity to team up with the Manchester City photography team during the community matchday.
Commenting on her experience, Alice said: “I’m really excited for the opportunity as it’s not something you get to do often and it’s really interesting to explore all parts of work, not just the City in the Community volunteering side.”
HALF-TIME PRESENTERS/INTERVIEWERS
Primary school duo Rugi and Tania had the opportunity to join the matchday live team during half-time, not only to watch and learn, but also taking part in an interview, discussing their involvement in the matchday, as well as discuss what their favourite things about Manchester City Women are.
The opportunities provided not only came as part of City in the Community’s matchday takeover, but as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.
This the ‘Send it Forward’ campaign aims to celebrate women shaping the game today and inspire the next generation of young girls to see a future for themselves in football.
Female players and staff members at City have penned inspirational messages to help more girls feel welcomed, supported and empowered to pursue a career in football, either on or off the pitch.
Their advice has is being shared online and physically via postcards using augmented reality technology, which are available to collect from the Stadium, Arndale and Trafford Centre stores.
To find out more about the opportunities City in the Community provided their participants head over to our YouTube channel
CITC YOUTUBE
To learn more about Manchester City’s ‘Send it Forward’ campaign, visit: mancity.com/senditforward.
SEND IT FORWARD
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity.