Manchester City have agreed with Xylem Inc. to become the club’s official water technology partner, a Premier League first.
The club announced the global partnership with Xylem during the Singapore International Water Week, a global platform for creating innovative water solutions. The event was attended by Joleon Lescott as the club’s representative.
The duration of the partnership and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Xylem Inc. will also partner with Manchester City’s sister club New York FC and the women’s team.
Xylem hopes that by partnering with Manchester City, a huge global brand, they will increase awareness about the world’s water challenges and solutions.
Xylem, through its social investment platform Xylem Watermark will work with Manchester City to provide water to communities around the world without access to clean water. Xylem branding will also feature at the Etihad and at the City Academy.
"“Manchester City and Xylem share a common commitment to operating in a sustainable and innovative way, whilst enhancing the lives of people in our communities around the world. We are excited to harness the global appeal of football to raise awareness of water challenges and support Xylem’s efforts to tackle these issues.”- said Manchester City’s Senior Vice President of Partnership Damian Willoughby."
The partnership is really important for Xylem who were represented by their President and CEO Patrick Decker.
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"“We are thrilled to be partnering with Manchester City and excited to engage with their amazing fans around the world. From our first meeting, it was clear that City’s value system was aligned with Xylem’s. Our purpose as a company is to create both economic and social value. We do that every day by bringing solutions to market that solve water needs and challenges, and through our Xylem Watermark program. To partner with a Club that is committed to bringing about positive social change through football is a natural fit. Working with Manchester City, we will extend our reach to their massive fan base and, in doing so, increase our ability to create social value.”- Patrick Decker."
The partnership will add revenue to the club but more importantly will promote awareness about water challenges, conservation and help create solutions as water scarcity increases.
Almost half of the world’s population is expected to experience water shortage by 2030. Here is a resource on the water scarcity problem if you want to have a read.