MCFP Blog #2: British and Chinese Students Learn about Manchester's Football Culture Together

Earlier this year, Manchester-China Friendship Programme (MCFP) students were invited to join a special tour of the famed Etihad Stadium, home of the Premier League’s Manchester City Football Club (F.C.).

While testing out the audience seats, students learned about the stadium’s history and future plans, including its aspiration to host major European tournaments in the coming years. In the away team’s locker room, they sat on the very bench where international football legends like Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi have graced.

After that, the tour guide explained that psychology plays an essential role in the stadium’s interior design. For instance, the locker’s monotone grey colour is meant to help calm players before an exciting match. Moreover, away teams are made to walk past cafeterias as they head to their changing room to “weaken” them with hunger.

The students also visited the stadium’s home locker room, aptly shaped like a ball and painted in the team’s signature white and blue colours. The tour’s final stops included a photo opportunity on the windy football pitch and in the media room with the team’s manager himself, Erik ten Hag (superimposed onto a screen, that is).

Finally, students enjoyed a gourmet selection of classic British sandwiches, chips, and desserts, followed by drinks at the Student Union. Yixin Wang, MCFP participant and recent graduate from 英国曼彻斯特大学 , described the tour as a “dream come true for a City fan.”

“[It was] so amazing to be able to know the behind-the-scenes fun stories about players and the design of the stadium. Also, it’s so nice to go with MCFP and have fun with my friends,” she added.

From fun facts about the world’s most interesting locker rooms to egg and tuna sandwiches, this MCFP event of the month has surely left participants with fond memories of an iconic Manchester landmark.

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A blog article by MCFP 2022-2023 Senior Host,? Kailyn Huang .

Edited by MCFP Co-leader,? Lorelei Baciu .