Welcome to Next Gen Man City 2024!

Welcome to City Football Leadership Institute’s Next Gen Man City Summer Programme!

We are really looking forward to meeting you in Manchester and hope the information provided here helps you begin to plan for your time with us. This page will be updated when new programme information is available, so please check this page frequently.

This page was last updated: June 19, 2024

Before the start of term, students are required to:

1. Review our Student Handbook (coming soon)
2. Complete the Programme Onboarding Form

Pre-Departure Q&A Drop-Ins

Online pre-departure Q&A drop-in sessions with the programme team will take place via Zoom on the following dates:

• Open Q&A: Wednesday, 19 June – Watch the recording here
• Onboarding and Q&A, 10 July, 6pm BST

Admitted Students will receive a Zoom link from the Programme Team in advance of these sessions.

If you were unable to attend these pre-departure Q&A sessions, a recorded version will be made available following each of them.

Programme Overview

Based in Manchester, one of the greatest football cities in the world, this summer you will have the chance to explore the business of sport in an immersive and innovative way. You will go inside the world of Manchester City for a behind the scenes experience of a Champion Premier League club, and you will enjoy a hands-on experience of many other aspects of the Football and Sport industries.

Together with peers from all around the world, and under the guidance of experts in different fields, you will follow a programme of fun and engaging activities organised around the key pillars of sport, business and personal growth. Each day will focus on a theme, from leadership to entrepreneurship, or a deep dive into psychology, branding, and sport tech.

You will leave Manchester having gained substantial knowledge of how Football operates beyond the pitch and how it intersects with the broader Sport industry, setting you up for success shall you choose a career in the industry.

Programme Start Date: Sunday, July 21

• This is the day you should plan to arrive in Manchester (Peel Park Quarter, University of Salford Campus).
• Registration and accommodation check-in: 11:00am-3:00pm (BST)
• Welcome and Orientation: 3:00pm (BST)

Programme End Date: Friday, July 26, 2:00pm (BST)

• You will check-out of your accommodation on this day.

Activities normally run Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm (with a break for lunch). There are no required evening or weekend academic commitments, although our extra-curricular calendar includes optional social events and activities.

Programme Start Date: Sunday, July 28

• This is the day you should plan to arrive in Manchester (Peel Park Quarter, University of Salford Campus).
• Registration and accommodation check-in: 11:00am-3:00pm (BST)
• Welcome and Orientation: 3:00pm (BST)

Programme End Date: Friday, August 2, 2:00pm (BST)

• You will check-out of your accommodation on this day.

Activities normally run Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm (with a break for lunch). There are no required evening or weekend academic commitments, although our extra-curricular calendar includes optional social events and activities.

Programme Start Date: Sunday, July 21

• This is the day you should plan to arrive in Manchester (Peel Park Quarter, University of Salford Campus).
• Registration and accommodation check-in: 11:00am-3:00pm (BST)
• Welcome and Orientation: 3:00pm (BST)

Programme End Date: Friday, August 2, 2:00pm (BST)

• You will check-out of your accommodation on this day.

Activities normally run Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm (with a break for lunch). There are no required evening or weekend academic commitments, although our extra-curricular calendar includes optional social events and activities, also during the weekend.

Arrivals & Departures

Next Gen participants will be able to register their arrival with the programme team and check-in into their rooms between 11am and 3pm (BST) on your programme start date (see above).

Registration will take place at the Halls of Residence at the University of Salford campus that will be our base of operations and accommodation centre for the duration of the programme: Peel Park Quarter

Address: Lowry Building, Peel Park Quarter, University Road, Salford M5 4NJ

A team will be deployed at Manchester International Airport approximately 9:30am – 2:30pm on arrival date to welcome and support those arriving to the city by air. Details about your travelling plans will be requested on the Programme Form that you will soon be required to submit. Students should make their own transport arrangements to get to the registration location in Peel Park Quarter.

Please note earlier check-in is not available. You are welcome to arrive in Manchester at an earlier date, but you will need to make independent accommodation arrangements for those additional nights, as access to the residence is only permitted from the programme start dates.

Your arrival window that Sunday is open until 3pm so you can familiarise yourself with the area, grab some lunch nearby, settle into your rooms and meet some of the other students.

You should complete move-in before 3pm as our programme team and residential staff will hold a Welcome and Onboarding Meeting later that afternoon (3:30-5pm), as well as some activities in the evening. Parents accompanying students on the day are welcome to stay for that welcome session only.

Non-residential students are welcome to register at the same location at any point during the day, but should at least be present for the Welcome and Onboarding session starting at 3:30pm.

Students will check out of their Next Gen accommodation on your programme end date (see above); student will check-out during the morning. The programme officially ends after lunch, at 2pm. Students should make arrangements to depart from Peel Park Quarter (same address as for arrival) to their chosen transport hub by that time.

We would encourage students not to depart before 1pm, if at all possible, but we understand some travel arrangements may mean some early departures that day.

If you wish to remain in Manchester after this date, you will need to arrange independent accommodation as the Institute cannot facilitate accommodation extensions.

The Institute does not monitor student travel after students have checked out of the programme, nor is the Institute available to solve travel related problems such as cancelled or delayed flights. Families should consider how to manage potential travel issues that may arise.

Arriving In Manchester

Please Note: City Football Leadership Institute does not provide or monitor student travel before students have checked in or after students have checked out of the Programme; nor is the Institute available to solve travel related problems such as cancelled or delayed flights or trains, although we will support parents and students to the best of our ability in solving these issues may they arise on their way to or from the Programme.

Manchester is served by Manchester Airport (MAN), a major international hub with three terminals.

Please remember to check the airline’s policy for unaccompanied minors when arranging flights.

We’ll have a team at the airport approximately 9:30-14:30 on arrival date to support and welcome international students landing that day. You will have the chance to confirm flight details with us on the programme form.

The Institute does not cover or arrange transport to and from the airport on arrival and departure day.

Entering the UK

Upon arrival to the UK, all passengers must clear Border Control. The www.gov.uk website contains thorough information on how to enter the country and what documentation and paperwork you will need to have. You should review this information prior to travel to ensure you are complying with the law.

E-Gates

Upon arriving in Manchester (or any other airport you choose as your access point into the UK), Border Control Officers or signage in the arrival hall may direct you to an e-gate. Many travellers, including those carrying US passports, can enter the UK via the e-gate. Please ensure you are following the signage in the arrival hall to correctly enter the country, and if you have any questions, speak with a Border Control officer.

Visas

Depending on your country of origin, you may require a visa to participate in Next Gen. Generally, the Standard Visitor visa may be the most appropriate visa to use to participate in the programme; however, we strongly encourage international students to contact their country of origin’s embassy/government office to confirm. We also encourage international students to visit the UK Government Visa website for additional details. The Institute can provide letters of verification upon request.

If you have any questions regarding entering the UK on a visa, or would like to request a verification letter, please contact City Football Leadership Institute’s Admissions Team at admissions@cityfootball-leadership.com.

Travel to and from Manchester Airport

Manchester airport is well connected to the city centre and Salford University Campus via public and private transportation (bus, tram and train).

While most travellers arriving in Manchester find it convenient to take a cab directly to their final destination, you may wish to utilise a combination of travel to reduce costs or time spent in traffic.

• TFGM: Transport for Greater Manchester operates Manchester’s public transportation routes, including buses and trams. Its extensive website contains maps, timetables for services, updates on planned closures or delays to the service, and the fares related to travel throughout the network. The Journey Planner is a helpful tool for navigating the city, estimating the time of travel, and avoiding congested stations or network closures.
• Taxis/Cabs: We don’t recommend specific companies, but all taxi drivers in the UK are DBS checked, and most airport taxi transfer services offer special services for children travelling unaccompanied. Manchester airport offers a taxi booking tool via their website. If you input flight details and arrival time it will show different taxi companies offering services for the chosen route. We suggest you contact the taxi companies directly to enquire about their unaccompanied child policies.
• Train: Travellers may take the Northern Line train from the airport train station to Salford Crescent station, which is a 10-minute walk from Peel Park Quarter accommodation buildings.

You can also arrive to Manchester by coach from another British city. Tickets are normally available through National Express, and coaches will arrive at Manchester’s Coach Station in the city centre, not far from Manchester Piccadilly train station. You can then take a local bus (n. 36, 37) from the coach station to Salford Crescent station, which is a 10-minute walk from Peel Park Quarter accommodation buildings.

The National Rail operates trains from many major UK cities to Manchester. The main train station in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Train tickets can be bought online at National Rail, Trainline, or at any trains station. If you travel via National Rail, it is advisable to avoid peak commuting times, particularly if you have large bags, as space may be limited.

For those arriving to Manchester by car, there is temporary parking available on site at Peel Park Quarter.

Address: Lowry Building, Peel Park Quarter, University Road, Salford M5 4NJ

Student Life

Next Gen students will be staying at the Lowry 1 Accommodation block at Peel Park Quarter, an award-winning student residence building in Salford University Campus.

Each student is provided a lockable single occupancy room with its own bathroom and access to a kitchen and open plan lounge/dining area shared with fellow students. Bedding and towels are provided. You can also make use of the building’s common areas, entertainment room and outdoors social spaces.

If you have any accessibility requirements or concerns regarding room allocation, please indicate this in the Programme Form or contact the Next Gen programme team at info@cityfootball-leadership.com.

CFLI’s programme team accompanies the students during activities, events and visits. The team of Residential Advisors resides within the same building and will be on call for any after-hours student concerns or emergencies. Student are therefore supported by staff 24/7 during their stay.

In addition, the accommodation building has reception staff and security personnel on hand 24/7.

Accommodation Facilities include:

• Reception
• Elevators
• Common room with entertainment facilities
• Cinema room
• Outdoor social space
• Laundry facilities (operated via app)
• Multi-faith room
• Study rooms
• Free Wi-Fi
• CCTV
• Secure Access

CFLI provides residential students with breakfast, lunch and dinner, generally in the dining facilities at Salford University Campus. Some meals will take place off campus during site visits and field trips. Students can indicate any allergies or necessary dietary requirements prior to arrival in their programme forms. Families with specific concerns should note contact the Programme Team (info@cityfootball-leadership.com).

For non-residential students, we provide lunch only.

The area around the residence and campus has shops and cafes.

Programme activities and sessions normally run 10:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday, and are supervised by Next Gen staff. These activities range from talks and meet-ups with experts on different aspects of the sports industry and personal development sessions hosted at academic facilities in Salford University, to organised visits to some exciting sport industry venues in Manchester (e.g. Etihad Stadium, Media City, National Football Museum etc.). In the evening student scan enjoy free time or join some activities and entertainment organised by the programme team. Student will be given access to their full schedule a couple of weeks before the programme starts.

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a certificate of completion.

Non-residential students are expected to be present on campus from 9:00a.m. at a specific location to be confirmed shortly before the programme starts, and can leave after the end of the last afternoon session each day. They are also welcome to join our evening optional activities as long as they make their own dinner arrangements.

Student can access their full schedule here:

Next Gen 2024 MANCHESTER – Programme Schedules – WEEK 1 (21-26 July)

Next Gen 2024 MANCHESTER – Programme Schedules – WEEK 2 (28 July – 2 Aug)

Next Gen 2024 MANCHESTER – Programme Schedules – WEEKS 1&2 (21 July – 2 August)

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a certificate of completion.

During the Next Gen programme, a contact line for parents and families will be provided for emergencies. This phone number will be provided closer to the start of the programme.

The Institute will primarily communicate with parents through email before and during the programme. Please be diligent about checking and reading emails from the programme.

Parents and guardians must contact the programme team to request/approve special leaves or extended excused absences.

Some students might feel homesick at the start of the programme, and they may need a few days to adjust to the new surroundings and routines. Residential staff will be especially attentive to the needs of students at the start of the programme. Once settled in, students typically become fully engaged in the programme and calls home may become less frequent. We suggest establishing reasonable communication expectations between parent/guardian(s) and students before the start of the programme.

Students may use their own personal mobile phones during the programme at times that do not interfere with programme sessions or activities. The Institute does not provide a phone for students to receive calls. We ask that parents/guardians refrain from calling students during activity hours.

For students, their main point of contact during the programme will be the Residential Advisors and Team Leaders (24/7). All students will be given an Emergency Phone Number on the day of their arrival. This phone is answered 24/7 by programme staff.

CFLI recommends students have a functioning mobile phone, able to make and receive phone calls, texts, and access the internet, for the duration of their programme. A UK phone number is recommended, but most mobile phone companies offer international plans.

It is also important to note that while WiFi and internet access is readily available at the accommodation, many of the venues we will be visiting, and many local cafes, restaurants, and social venues, it is pragmatic for you to have access to the internet independent of WiFi. This may also be a consideration based on your travel plans.

Your phone may have an international plan already, or you may be able to purchase an international plan with your current provider. It is recommended you contact your provider in advance of your programme to investigate costs and options associated with travel and additional data.

Packing List

• Clothing: The weather in Manchester is unpredictable and variable, even in summer – so the best packing plan is to pack layers! Light and cool casual summer clothing, jacket, sweatshirt or hoodie, raincoat, sandals, sporty clothing, comfortable walking shoes, pyjamas, a set of nicer, professional clothes.*
• Weather gear: sunscreen, sunglasses, raincoat, umbrella, reusable water bottle
• Academic supplies: laptop, tablet, notebook or journal; we suggest students bring a laptop/tablet if they have access to it, but our Next Gen programme staff will have some laptops available for students if necessary.
• Personal electronics: smart phone, camera, alarm clock, headphones, travel adapters, chargers, etc. – there is a lockable cupboard in each accommodation room to secure valuable items.
• Personal items: travel-size toiletries, hair dryer, etc.
• Prescription medication for the duration of your programme (if applicable); please note some medications commonly prescribed in other countries may not be readily available in the UK.
• Laundry bag
• Photo ID/Passport and copy of health insurance details.
• Spending money (for souvenirs and incidentals).

*Students should also bring clothing that is smart casual and appropriate for class site visits to offices and workspaces (comfortable, but presentable). Formal and/or semi-formal wear is not necessary (dress clothes, dresses/gowns, suits and ties, dress shoes, sports jackets, etc.). No specific football kit is necessary, but students can bring it if they want for some ad-hoc sport sessions during free time.

• Students may not bring flammable materials, including but not limited to candles, incense, matches, lighters, explosive devices or fireworks. Violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
• Students are not allowed to bring or possess weapons of any kind, including but not limited to knives, firearms, paintball guns, laser pointers, pepper spray or other dangerous items. Violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
• Students are not allowed to use or possess tobacco or nicotine products, alcoholic beverages, drugs or unauthorized medications. Violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
• Students are not allowed to have or operate a car, skateboard, skates or a bicycle on campus.
• Students may not bring pets.
• Students many not bring drones or any other motorized objects.
• We recommend that students not bring any valuables; Next Gen takes no responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen items.
• Bedding and towels are provided, so students need not bring sheets, pillows, blankets or towels. However, if students prefer to bring their own bedding, they can.

Health & Safety

Next Gen uses dorms and classrooms at Salford University Campus. All classes and official programme activities are chaperoned by our instructors and programme staff. Campus Security, Reception staff, as well as student life staff are present in the residential hall 24/7 for the duration of the programme.

During free time (evenings and weekends where applicable), the Programme team will schedule optional activities. However, students are also able to leave the campus area during that time and travel around Manchester with another student(s) by using our ‘buddy checkout’ system. Students must complete a regular leave request form indicating their destination, name of their “buddy” and expected return time, as well as contact number. This request must be approved by a residential advisor. Students must return to campus and be in their rooms by curfew time: 10pm. Students who would like to leave campus independently (without another student), for longer than four hours, or to return after curfew (10:00pm) must complete a Special Leave Request Form and receive parent/guardian approval.

We recommend that students and parents/guardians discuss safety and guidelines prior to their arrival at Next Gen.

All travel related to programmed activities is covered by CFLI. In occasions, students may want to travel around Manchester during their free time. Manchester is a very walkable city, but they may want to use public transportation options (train, bus and tram).

Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) operates Manchester’s public transportation routes, including buses and trams. Its extensive website contains maps, timetables for services, updates on planned closures or delays to the service, information on fares and payment methods and a Journey Planner tool to travel throughout the network.

Students should make provisions to cover any personal travel cost.

As a guideline, we would suggest that student’s carry some spending money in GBP or that they have access to a card for personal expenses in their free time or beyond what’s covered by the programme.

In the UK the public National Health Service (NHS) covers all healthcare needs for its citizens. As a visitor to the UK, you are entitled to a limited range of NHS treatments, such as emergency or routine care, but not dental services or complex treatment. You can attend A&E (Accident & Emergency) departments for emergency care. However, if you are referred to specialist services or admitted to hospital as an in-patient, you may be charged a fee and this can be expensive.

If you need medical assistance during the Programme you must inform a member of the Programme Team. Action protocols will be followed, and the student will be supported by members of the Next Gen team throughout the process.

You are strongly advised to take out private medical insurance, as you will be liable for NHS charges for the treatment you receive in the UK except for in a medical emergency and this is limited.

Some countries have a reciprocal agreement with the UK which may entitle you to some free healthcare on the NHS, but you should seek advice from the health authorities in your home country about exactly what treatment will be covered.

If you take regular medication, you should arrange for a full supply of medication for the duration of your programme, including any travel you plan to do before or after the programme. It may be a good idea to consult with your doctor before you depart.

It is important to note that not all medication you are familiar with, or take, is readily available in the UK; this includes prescription medications. Additionally, chemists (pharmacies) in the UK are unable to fulfil prescriptions written by a physician located outside of the UK.

In the event you run out of medication during your programme, you must inform the Residential Team immediately for advice and support.

If you travel with prescribed medication, you must always have documentation confirming you are prescribed that medication. All medication must be clearly labelled with your name, in the event you are questioned while going through security or Border Control.

If you have any queries around medication administration and storage during the programme, please contact the programme team to discuss details: info@cityfootball-leadership.com. You will also have the chance to discuss details of any pre-exiting condition or ongoing treatment through the Programme Onboarding Form.

City Football Leadership Institute welcomes requests for student provisions (academic, personal, or other) from students using the Programme Onboarding Form. We ask that students submit requests and other important information (e.g. medical, dietary, etc.) that may affect their experience as early as possible in order to provide us with sufficient time to make any necessary arrangements, and ensure that all students have a fulfilling, enjoyable and safe experience.

Questions

We look forward to providing you with a truly rewarding and exciting learning experience this summer. If you have any questions as the programme approaches, please feel free to contact us at info@cityfootball-leadership.com.

City Football Leadership Institute aims to create a respectful, inclusive and student-focused community with the goal of creating a positive learning environment for students enrolled in its programmes. With that aim in mind, we encourage community members to review our policies.

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