The Lead Camp — an acronym for Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development — was established to receive funding for the Dignity Peace Camps and football training from the Cityzens Giving Programme. Chosen participants also have the opportunity to travel to MCFC’s Young Leaders Summit, a week of intensive training in leadership and community coaching. “Basically, the main aim is to use football to tackle social issues. The selected young leaders get access to this extensive training by Man City coaches, and they are able to develop their skills and confidence before going back to their home countries and delivering these life-changing projects,” says Koo. To date, 13 lucky young leaders from Dignity have had the opportunity to attend the summit.

Options was able to speak to Fadlin Linsai, who was chosen for Dignity’s first Young Leaders Summit in 2015, and again in 2016. “It was definitely one of the best experiences. I have always been a Man City supporter and a big fan. So, to visit the stadium, see how they train and even meet one of the players was such a good opportunity. It is really good that we can exchange ideas and knowledge, and learn from the skills they share. I really enjoyed myself. The first year was level one and in 2016, it was level two, which had more leadership challenges,” he recalls. When the young leaders return, they pass on their newfound knowledge by training and teaching other students, creating a cycle that benefits all.