Man City score for looked-after children

Premiership side Manchester City have scored for looked-after young people across the city.

The club has provided 14 junior season tickets and four adult season tickets for the 2007/8 season. Now the season tickets are being allocated to looked after young people and relevant staff on a rota basis, thanks to the fund-raising efforts of club supporters.

The link between children's homes in the city and the club have been made possible through the Blue Zone project, which provides educational support and out of school initiatives through football clubs nationwide.

The fund-raising initiative at Eastlands came about following the death of a fan. His friends are mainly Sunderland supporters, so the club are making an on-pitch presentation before the game against Sunderland tonight, Monday 5 November.

Staff from Children's Services at Manchester City Council will accompany Councillor Alistair Cox, chair of the Children and Young People scrutiny committee, at the presentation.

Said Councillor Cox, a life long supporter of the Blues: "This is a marvellous scheme and shows that Premiership clubs like City are helping to put something back into the community by helping these young people enjoy themselves.

"This is something that reflects well on football as a whole and is an occasion where rival footballing fans can work together to honour a special friend by establishing sporting and educational opportunities for Manchester's looked after children."

Media contact:

Jane Lemon, tel: 0161 234 3179