Footballer Nathan Aké Donates Pianos to Disadvantaged Local Schools

Six schools will receive a donation of ten pianos, as part of a collaboration between Aké, Playing for Change, and Restore the Music

Nathan Aké, a professional footballer who plays for the English club Manchester City, is leading a new campaign called Playing for Change — which will see some of Manchester's most disadvantaged schools receiving free digital keyboards from Casio Music UK.

The Dutch player took up the piano during pandemic lockdowns, saying he got "really obsessed" with playing and was practicing every day. As part of the Playing for Change campaign, he recently visited East Manchester Academy — a school where 75% of students are sufficiently impoverished to qualify for free school meals — and gave a short performance, as well as speaking to the students.

Six schools will receive a donation of ten digital pianos as a result of Aké's work, which is also supported by the charity Restore the Music.

"Donating the pianos where the young people can learn and maybe see their future with it, or at least enjoy it, I have already spoken to some people and to see how they bond with each other because of music and make little groups — it's nice to see," Aké told ITV.

"Learning to play piano has offered me so many positives — from supporting my mental health, to helping me wind down from football," Aké added. "With the support of Restore The Music, some of Manchester’s most deprived children will have the chance to enjoy the same benefits of music education that they may not have had before. I believe all children deserve these opportunities and I am grateful to Casio for sharing this vision."