Young footballers in Lancashire offered unique Man City experience
A new football initiative stands to provide one youth football team with an opportunity of a lifetime.
Silentnight has launched Dream Big, a new football initiative created in partnership with Manchester City, giving one youth team the opportunity to experience coaching at the Club's world-class training facilities.
As Official Sleep Partner of Manchester City, Silentnight is continuing its work with the Club to champion the role that quality sleep plays in supporting performance, recovery and overall wellbeing.
Alongside the competition, Silentnight has worked with sleep expert Kathryn Pinkham to develop a practical 10-step sleep guide for young footballers and their families, translating principles used in elite sport into simple everyday habits that can help children recover well, stay active and enjoy their football.
The guide encourages families to build consistent sleep routines, create the right sleep environment and understand the role rest plays alongside training and exercise.
Young football teams across Lancashire can now be nominated by coaches, parents, guardians or club representatives for the opportunity to win an exclusive coaching session delivered by a Manchester City coach at The City Football Academy, on the 19th of August from 1pm until 3pm.
The winning team will also receive Manchester City kits and Silentnight Healthy Growth Kids mattresses.
Grassroots football plays an important role in helping young people develop confidence, teamwork and lifelong enjoyment of sport. Through Dream Big, Silentnight and Manchester City hope to recognise the volunteers, coaches and families who help make those opportunities possible every week.
Ian Lambert, Chief Marketing Officer at Silentnight Group, said: "Grassroots football plays such an important role in helping children build confidence, make friends and stay active, which is why we're so excited to launch Dream Big with Manchester City. We know young players often have big ambitions but most of all have fun doing something that’s great for their overall wellbeing, and this competition is all about celebrating the teams that give their all every week.
"As Manchester City's Official Sleep Partner, we're also passionate about helping families understand the important role sleep plays in supporting children's wellbeing, development and enjoyment of sport."
Kathryn Pinkham, sleep expert at Silentnight, said: "When children are busy with school, training, matches and everything else that comes with family life, sleep can sometimes slip down the priority list. But for young footballers, getting enough good-quality rest can make such a difference - helping them recover after games, concentrate at school and enjoy their sport. The 10-Step Sleep Guide is designed to give families simple, practical tips they can actually use at home."
Mark Lambert, VP of Partnerships Marketing & Operations at Manchester City, said: "Our partnership with Silentnight is built on a shared commitment to supporting healthier, more active lives, so it's great to come together on Dream Big. Grassroots football plays a vital role in inspiring young players and bringing communities together, and we're looking forward to welcoming the winning team to the City Football Academy for what we hope will be a memorable experience."
Applications are now open to grassroots sports clubs across Lancashire. Teams must be made up of players aged seven and over, with no more than a two-year age gap between the youngest and oldest players. Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 3rd August. To nominate a team and find out more, visit www.silentnight.co.uk/manchester-city.