As a part of our continued community outreach efforts, Mumbai City FC and Xylem, the club’s Official Water Technology Partner, conducted a unique football-based water awareness festival at the Infant Jesus of Prague Convent School in Manori, Mumbai.
Majorly consisting of generational fishermen, the communities on the island of Manori did not have any organised exposure to football. The one-of-its-kind event involved a mix of young boys and girls across 250 children between the ages of 8 and 12 and more than 20 coaches. The focus wasn't only on imparting footballing skills but also on water education and awareness. Through the two-day festival, Mumbai City FC and Xylem aimed at providing exposure not only to the children of the community but also trained community coaches and parent volunteers in skills required to support community events and become sustainable and self-sufficient.
The festival also included a parent education workshop which was designed to help nearly 100 parents in the communities to understand the importance of education and sport. Moreover, with Xylem’s expertise in water conservation and sustainability, the parents were also educated on how to observe safe water practices and conservation of water for a sustainable future.
Xylem is a water technology-based company that is one of the pioneers in its industry. They have successfully established a number of highly sustainable projects in Mumbai and Bengaluru as part of their WASH initiative. The initiative has already trained a number of Young Leaders to provide a football-based educational program that focuses on the importance of clean drinking water and sanitation to children across the two cities.
Mumbai City FC and Xylem’s unique partnership pledges itself towards the upliftment of local communities through football and aims to solve the water challenges faced by numerous deprived communities across the city of Mumbai.
Kandarp Chandra – CEO, Mumbai City FC said:
"Our grassroots festivals aims to unite children, providing a secure space for them to enjoy and develop a passion for football. Just like the previous years, we would like to appreciate Xylem's collaboration in this distinctive venture, leveraging sports to foster community bonds, tackle issues like clean water and sanitation, and contribute positively to the community of Mumbai."
Abinash Patro – Head, Marketing & Strategy Xylem India, said:
“Xylem is a leading global water technology company committed to solving the world’s critical water-related challenges through technology, innovation, and expertise. Our more than 22,000 diverse employees (1000+ in India) delivered revenue of $7.3B in 2022. Our local expertise, regional capability like manufacturing facility at Vadodara, technology center at Bangalore, Vadodara, Chennai and make in India mindset is enabling us to provide best in class products and services to our customers supporting the life cycle of water.”
“Heartfelt gratitude to Mumbai City FC for joining hands in spreading the vital message of water conservation and accessibility. We are proud of our partnership for a cause that help children and communities realize the significance of water, using our passion for the game to fuel a greater purpose. Let’s continue this journey, scoring victories not only on the field, but also in ensuring a sustainable future for all where every drop matters. Let us solve water!”
