Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan surprised City in the Community (CITC) BTEC students.

Attending a session on the Alex Williams MBE Community Pitch at the City Football Academy, the pair surprised the unsuspecting participants from all three partner colleges who were taking part in an inter-departmental tournament.  
 
During the session, the pair watched on as a competitive penalty shoot-out took place, offering tips and encouragement to participants as they stepped up to the spot.  
 
Talking about the day, George, from Connell Co-op College, said: “It was a unique opportunity. It’s not every day that two world class professionals be a part of your session. A fantastic day.” 
 
Discussing their visit to the BTEC programme, Gundagon said: “I think it’s very important for the community to get teenagers together, to teach them how to behave in a community and in a group and how to discipline themselves and support each other playing football. 
 
I think [the programme] is a great opportunity. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people, I think in general that’s what life is about, to make friends, to be a member of a group and to learn from each other.” 
 
Silva added: “The biggest advice I’d give to the students is to do everything they’re doing with a smile on their face, because when you do that, you always do things better.” 

Sitting under CITC’s Healthy Futures pillar, the City BTEC programme provides an opportunity for students who are passionate about football and their education, to combine the two as part of this course. 
 
The curriculum provides students with an insight into what life would be like coaching in an academy session, through the way in which CITC staff deliver sessions.  
 
The course aims to be totally inclusive, offering places to both male and female participants without trials. 
 
Jonathan Pauley, 11+ Manager said: “Player appearances are a vital aspect of the BTEC programme, offering students amazing opportunities to meet and learn from top-level Premier League footballers.  
 
“These appearances inspire and motivate students, providing firsthand insights into the dedication, resilience, and professionalism required to succeed at the highest level.  
 
“The presence of such iconic figures not only enriches the learning experience but also reinforces key values such as teamwork, discipline, and ambition, leaving a lasting impact on students as they strive toward their own goals.” 
 
During their 2023/2024 reporting year CITC delivered 771 BTEC sessions, across 1571 hours to 221 unique participants. 
 
The team currently delivers in three sixth form and colleges, Oldham College, Ashton Sixth Form and Connell College. 
 
Coaches are able to adapt their approach, the content and physical activity sessions in order to best meet the requirements of the college/group that they are working with. 
 
For more information, email  [email protected]
 
To apply for the BTEC course, visit the respective college website.  
 
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football. 

To find out more, visit  www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity.