Manchester City extends Xylem partnership

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Premier League Champions Manchester City have confirmed the renewal of its multi-year global partnership with water technology leader, Xylem.

The renewed partnership includes the Manchester City men’s and women’s teams, and MLS Champions New York City FC and Mumbai City, who are part of City Football Group (CFG).

Through the partnership to date, the clubs and Xylem have already reached more than one billion people through water awareness, education and volunteerism initiatives that advance their shared mission to create a more sustainable world.

The United Nations estimates that 3.2 billion people will live in severely water-scarce areas by 2050, if global warming continues at current projections. The three clubs and Xylem are elevating water within the global conversation on climate change through activities and dialogue that educate communities on the value of water, and projects to improve water and sanitation access.

Over the last four years, the partnership has empowered a global network of over 500 young community football leaders to deliver life-saving water awareness, education, and access to over 20,000 children in eight countries across all continents. Delivered collaboratively with CFG’s global charity initiative Cityzens Giving, these projects combine football and WASH education with infrastructure upgrades using Xylem technology and expertise.

In this next phase, the partnership aims to accelerate action on critical water challenges by driving a further 100 million people to participate in water-related initiatives in their communities.

Roel de Vries, City Football Group’s Group Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement:

“We’re delighted to be able to announce the extension of the partnership with Xylem today. Over the last four years, we have been able to successfully combine our place in the world of football with Xylem’s expertise in water education, to impact a huge number of people globally.

“Using the voice and influence of Manchester City, NYCFC and Mumbai City, we will continue to raise awareness and change behaviours around sustainable approaches. We look forward to continuing this work over the coming years.”

Patrick Decker, President and CEO of Xylem, added:

“When it comes to solving major challenges, our voices are more powerful together. That’s why one of the many ways Xylem advances water security is by engaging external stakeholders to put water on the agenda in new ways and venues. Through our partnership, we are creating a unique and powerful platform to connect with millions of fans around the world, spark conversation on water challenges and solutions – and inspire widespread action. We’re energized by the opportunities that lie ahead, and the potential to accelerate progress in our mission to solve water.”

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Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

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Image credit: Melbourne Victory

The Melbourne-based anf family-owned business will join the Victory family, uniting two institutions which represent the city’s culture and identity.

A partnership with local roots

As the newest partner of Melbourne Victory, Roasting Warehouse joins forces with a vital part of the city’s sporting landscape.

The club’s Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the partnership bears so much value to both parties.

“We are excited to collaborate with Roasting Warehouse, a community-oriented destination for high-quality coffee, proud of its foundations in Melbourne,” said Carnegie via official media release.

“Football and coffee sit at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture. The two go hand-in-hand, consistently at the centre of the conversation that stirs Melburnians, which is no different to the conversation sport and Melbourne Victory stir in the State.”

Indeed, this is a partnership which combines the identity, passions and culture of an entire city, therefore giving it the foundations required for long-term, mutual success.

Representing the best of Melbourne

Both Victory and Roasting Warehouse are hugely successful in their respective industries. They are institutions with community-oriented philosphies, who pride themselves on craft and quality.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Victory, a club that represents the heart, passion, and ambition of Melbourne,” revealed Roasting Warehouse Head of Brand, Alexander Paraskevopoulos.

“As a Melbourne-founded, family-run business, supporting a team that means so much to the local community feels very natural for us.”

Furthermore, through their high-quality blends, Roasting Warehouse will look to prepare Victory’s players and staff for high performances on the pitch as the seasons nears completion.

But this is about far more than just fueling athletes.

This is a partnership which embodies and unites two of Melbourne’s greatest strengths and cultural markers – a connection forged from the city’s very own DNA.

 

For more information about Roasting Warehouse, click here.

Marie-Louise Eta makes history as new Union Berlin head coach

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Image credit: FC Union Berlin

In an historic appointment, Eta will take over as head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

History in the making

Previously the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history with Union Berlin, Eta will now take the reigns of the men’s first team on an interim basis.

Currently, the club sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga table, but with only two wins so far in 2026, relegation appears an all-too-real prospect, and one which the club is desperate to avoid.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” said Eta via official media release.

‘I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.”

Eta will begin as Union’s new head coach with immediate effect, and will be in the dugout for the club’s matchup against Wolfsburg this weekend.

 

A step into an equal future

Eta’s appointment signals a major step towards a more level playing field in the football landscape.

Furthermore, Eta joins other coaches including Sabrinna Wittmann, Hannah Dingley and Corinne Diacre who, in recent years, have blazed a trail for female coaches to step into the men’s game.

Wittmann currently manages FC Ingolstadt in Germany’s third division, and was the first female head coach in Germany’s top three divisions.

In 2023, Dingley became caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, and thus the first woman to lead a men’s professional team in England.

Diacre, now head coach of France’s women’s national team, managed Ligue 2’s Clerment Foot between 2014 and 2017.

 

Final thoughts

The impact therefore, is that Eta’s appointment will show future generations of aspiring female coaches that men’s football is an equally viable and possible pathway as the women’s game.

The time is now to level the playing field.

And while it may be a short-term role, its effect on attitudes towards equality and fair opportunities in the game will hopefully resonate long after the season ends.

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