CITC Announces Its Premier League Community Captain
The Club’s charity, City in the Community (CITC), has named its Primary Schools Manager, Lucy Gaskell-Milward, as this year’s Community Captain, as part of the Premier League’s ‘More Than A Game’ campaign. The ‘More Than A Game’ campaign is a valuable initiative that seeks to highlight how funding from the Premier League and the delivery of club community programs positively impact the lives of millions of people across the country. As a testament to the community spirit fostered by football, this campaign encourages all club charities to nominate a Community Captain who exemplifies dedication and commitment to both their club and their community. Lucy’s nomination by CITC is a well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts and the significant positive changes she has brought to primary education in Greater Manchester.
Lucy Gaskell-Milward: A Pillar of CITC
Lucy joined City in the Community more than seven years ago, taking on the role of Primary Schools Manager. From the very beginning, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the charity and its mission. Her role involves managing and overseeing the primary school programs, which are crucial in providing young people with opportunities to engage in physical education and sports. Over the years, Lucy has not only maintained but has significantly elevated the quality of these programs, achieving tangible and meaningful outcomes for the young participants. Her dedication has been a driving force behind the success of CITC’s primary school provision, making it a beacon of excellence in the region.
A Leader with Vision and Heart
One of the key aspects of Lucy’s leadership is her ability to inspire and guide her team positively and supportively. She has fostered a department that is deeply committed to empowering healthier lives through football, ensuring that every session in partner primary schools meets the current needs and priorities of the primary education sector and the local communities in Manchester. Lucy’s innovative approach and passion for her work have been instrumental in the charity’s growth. Her team delivers over 4,000 unique participant hours and 3,000 session hours annually, making a significant impact on the lives of thousands of young people. Her leadership ensures that the programs are not just about fitness but also about building confidence and self-esteem, which are essential for the holistic development of children.
Championing Female Empowerment and Inclusivity
Lisa McKay, Head of Operations at CITC, nominated Lucy for the Community Captain award, emphasizing her exceptional qualities. According to Lisa, Lucy’s passion, ambition, innovation, and leadership have been pivotal in transforming CITC’s primary school provision into one of the leading PE partners in Manchester. Lucy’s work is highly recognized for creating positive change, working closely with more than 4,000 unique participants each year. Beyond her professional role, Lucy is a fantastic role model, especially to the younger female staff and participants. She consistently champions female empowerment, equality, and inclusivity, ensuring that all young people, regardless of gender, have equal access to the benefits of sports and physical education. Her efforts in these areas have had a lasting impact on the community, creating a legacy of positive opportunities and experiences in sport and PE.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Lucy was surprised earlier in the week when Lisa McKay and Manchester City legend Paul Dickov presented her with the Community Captain award in Manchester City’s Studio 1. The award was a delightful surprise, and Lucy expressed her gratitude and overwhelming emotions. “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,” she said. The recognition of her hard work and dedication was further celebrated during Manchester City’s game against Newcastle United, where Lucy received the award once again at half-time. This public acknowledgment not only highlights her individual achievements but also underscores the collective impact of CITC and the Premier League in transforming lives through community initiatives.
The ‘More Than A Game’ Campaign and CITC’s Impact
The Premier League’s ‘More Than A Game’ campaign was launched on 12 February and will run until 26 February. This campaign aims to showcase the multifaceted role of football in society, beyond the realm of professional matches and elite players. It highlights how the sport, through the support of club charities and community programs, can create lasting positive changes in the lives of individuals and communities. City in the Community is a prime example of this, as it works tirelessly to empower healthier lives among city youth through football. The charity’s efforts have been instrumental in improving physical health, mental health, and overall well-being, while also fostering confidence and aspirations in young people. To learn more about the impactful work of CITC, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity.
