High spirits: New York schoolchildren are joined on
their Manchester City-funded rooftop pitch by Pablo Zabaleta
(second left)
Manchester City have spent an awful lot of money so far
this summer - and not all of it has been on new
players.
Yesterday, in the broiling heat of Spanish Harlem, we saw where
some of the rest has gone. The PS72 Elementary School that stands
on the corner of 104th Street and Lexington Avenue is not unlike
many others in this deprived area of uptown Manhattan. It is large
and in rudimentary physical shape.
These days, however, it boasts an astro-turf football pitch on
the roof, which City put there at a cost of more than £500,000. It
is 12 flights of stairs up, but for the children of PS72, the climb
is worth it. Previously they had to walk 12 blocks to play their
favourite sport.
School principal Tony Hernandez yesterday thanked the club,
saying: 'You must realise what this means to us.
'Of the pupils who come to our school, 89 per cent of them do
not have English as their first language. What's more, 88 per cent
of them are Hispanic, from countries such as Mexico and Puerto
Rico. Soccer is the number one pastime in those countries.
'As such, we have been dreaming about this moment for years - to
have our own facility is incredible. Thank you from the bottom of
our heart. This will change our pupils' lives.'
Some years ago, PS72 was sinking fast, with less than a fifth of
the student body passing the standard government tests. Now that
figure is above 90 per cent. City cannot take any credit for that,
but clearly the money they have spent so far - and the coaching
clinics and equipment they will provide in the coming months - will
add to the quality of education some of Harlem's young children
will receive.
Spanish-speaking City full back Pablo Zabaleta was one of five
players at the opening with manager Roberto Mancini yesterday
morning. The temperature hit 32C, but soon that won't matter - City
intend to build a roof over the pitch, and a high wire fence around
it.
Zabaleta said: 'It struck me hard when the guy told us how the
kids all have to travel across New York just to play football and
how this will change that. 'From my own experience in Argentina,
you see poor areas and to think they can get a facility like this
is fantastic.
No high shots: Students practise their shooting on
the roof of the Lexington Academy
'I grew up in a small city a long way from Buenos Aires.
But I suppose the best example in Argentina would be Carlos Tevez,
who was born in a really poor area that has a reputation for
criminals and trouble. Every time he goes back there he takes
shirts and football equipment to the local people. So many players
from Argentina and Brazil come from these areas and all they need
is an opportunity. It is the same here in New York.
'This will help us produce the Tevezes and Robinhos of the
future. Man City have the opportunity to do this. Maybe it is more
difficult for other clubs who need to spend their money on players.
Man City have the chance to do many things around football - it
makes me very proud to be part of it.'
In safe hands: Manchester City keeper Shay Given
was one of five City players at the event
City have lately grown used to criticism. They have made
mistakes in the two years since they were bought by the Abu Dhabi
royal family and they know it. Yet the club retain a sense of
community at their heart. It seems the owners have been careful not
to let this slide.
Their Community Soccer Initiative executive director Paul
Jeffries alerted them to the opportunity in Harlem and City's
commitment to the scheme looks genuine.
At the school yesterday, there was no shortage of emotion. No
country does tears like America, of course, but it was easy to
understand here.
City chief executive Garry Cook said: 'A lot is made about the
money the owners have invested in the playing squad, but they very
quickly recognised the work the club does in the community and were
determined to take that on and invest in projects that can really
make a difference to people's lives.
'Of course we want a hugely successful team on the pitch and we
are working towards that. But off the pitch there is a genuine
commitment and desire to give something back through football.'
Cook has not always said and done the right things during his
time in English football. This season is another big one for him,
as well as for Mancini's squad.
But yesterday in Harlem, City left an indelible fingerprint on a
neighbourhood far from their home in East Manchester. They won't
make any money from this. It won't sell them any replica shirts. In
terms of image, though, it should do them the world of good.