Manchester City Legend Joleon Lescott Visits Winning Water Champions Project
Manchester City legend Joleon Lescott recently surprised the winning project of this year’s Water Champions campaign in Tacloban City, Philippines. (Image source: Xylem Inc.)
This year’s campaign saw 10 youth-led community football projects across the world address local water issues, with each city receiving seed funding and training from Manchester City and Xylem, enabling the projects to deliver vital education on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), using fun football-based games.
Tacloban City in the Philippines was selected as the winner of this season’s campaign, recognising the Young Leaders’ innovation, as well as their commitment to water education and community action.
To celebrate the achievement, Club legend Joleon Lescott and Xylem employees visited a special World Water Day volunteer event held by the Young Leaders that included activities such as a coastal clean-up, the planting of coastal mangroves providing a protective barrier against extreme weather, and a unique football tournament using the power of the sport to engage and educate 250 children on responsible water practices.
As part of the event, Xylem mentors also led water filtration workshops to demonstrate how clean water solutions can protect public health and support communities.
Speaking on his experience, Joleon Lescott said: “It has been amazing to be out here in Tacloban City and to see this project close-up. The impact these Young Leaders are creating through their football and water education programme is so inspiring and goes to show the power that football has to uplift communities across the world.”
Reflecting on the prize visit and Tacloban City’s achievement a Young Leader, France, said: “With the support of Xylem and Man City, I am honoured to be part of this initiative, using football to inspire young people and tackle water issues in Tacloban. Their visit was a powerful reminder of the impact we can create together - it has strengthened our commitment, united Young Leaders, and empowered our community to build a better future.”
Emma Housman, Director of Social Impact at Xylem added: "The Young Leaders in Tacloban City have demonstrated incredible passion and commitment to tackling local water challenges through education and community action. At Xylem, we are proud to support this initiative, which showcases the power of football to drive meaningful change. Seeing their impact firsthand reinforces our belief that, together, we can create a more sustainable and water-secure future."
Source: Xylem Inc.
