Manchester City has announced that it will be celebrating its charity this weekend when the men’s team welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League. For the occasion, it will also see the Manchester stadium renamed ‘The City in the Community Etihad Stadium’ for matchday, featuring charity-branded banners before kick-off.
Taking place on Saturday 9 May, the annual ‘Community Matchday’ brings together players, fans, staff and partners in support of City in the Community. Activities on the day aim to increase awareness of the charity’s work, create once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for participants and support fundraising.
How the Manchester City squad will be supporting its charity
Financial donation
The Manchester City men’s squad, led by the Captain’s group, have made a financial donation to the charity for the second year running. Last season’s donation supported the charity’s Soccer Schools programme, reaching almost 700 children across 465 hours of free football.
This year, funds will be used to cover the cost of City in the Community’s ‘City Mentoring’ programme for 12 months, providing 1-2-1 support for vulnerable young people.
City in the Community-branded walk-out jackets
The players will also be wearing City in the Community-branded walk-out jackets ahead of kick-off, which will be signed and auctioned off in aid of the charity.
Commenting on the squad’s support, Rodri said: “It’s always important, of course, to help people in the local area across Manchester.
“For me, the kids are the most important part, so to give them this donation enables us to support them through difficult situations they might unfortunately live daily. The Community Matchday is a special day; I hope that everyone who’s there enjoys it as it’s a very important initiative.”
What can fans expect on the Manchester City Community Matchday?
Bonus community content
On the day, fans will be able to access bonus community content, including within the matchday programme, during half-time and across digital channels. The fixture will also see the return of the popular ‘hand-drawn’ graphics on social media, as local school children were once again invited to draw their favourite Manchester City stars.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities
Once again, the day is being used to create once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for City in the Community participants. These include team photo spaces, announcing players off the bus on the blue carpet, presenting on the Matchday Live Show and joining the media teams.
Ruben Dias tram and bus announcements
Those travelling to the stadium via matchday tram and bus routes might also notice a familiar voice. Manchester City’s centre-back, Rúben Dias, will be taking over the announcement system to help profile City in the Community.
The City in the Community Matchday Lottery
The City in the Community Matchday Lottery gives you the chance to win prizes every time Manchester City plays at home in the Premier League. Whether you’re inside the stadium or cheering the team on from home, the winner is selected at random at full-time and contacted immediately.
For the Brentford game, the prizes are a Manchester City Squad Signed Puma Football and a chance to watch the First Team training in the 2026/27 season. Tickets cost £10 with every penny helping to empower healthier lives through football.
“Community Matchday is a moment in the season where everyone connected to Manchester City comes together”
City in the Community Chief Executive Office, Mike Geary, said: “Community Matchday is a moment in the season where everyone connected to Manchester City comes together to celebrate the impact of City in the Community.
“From supporters in the stands to staff, partners and participants, it’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a football club and its community unite behind a shared purpose.
“We are incredibly grateful to the men’s squad for their continued generosity and commitment to our charity. To receive this donation for the second year running means a great deal to everyone at City in the Community, and more importantly, to the young people it will support.”