The young footballers from across Abu Dhabi returned from a week’s learning from world-class coaches at Manchester City Football Club.
The 16 players selected from youth teams in the city spent a week training and residing at the famous Etihad Campus where Pep Guardiola works with his players.
They were joined by three players from City Football Schools – Manchester City’s youth programme in the UAE.
The trip provided the youngsters a wide-ranging and deep footballing experience that included 12 hours of coaching and two competitive games, with one of those against a Manchester City academy team.
They also watched the Premier League champions beat Brighton 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium and a tour of the facilities.
Talal Al Hashimi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s Director of Technical Affairs, said: “The agreement is a cornerstone of our plans to upgrade the Abu Dhabi football system, which includes players, coaches and executive staff, through Manchester City.”
“We are dedicated in providing advanced programs to support Abu Dhabi clubs with the experiences and advanced practices that contribute to the development of the football sector.
“The agreement with Manchester City is an important addition for us as our global partners, and is an integrated plan of action to achieve a wide range of goals that would lead us on achieving good results.”
Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations MENA, said: “It was a real pleasure to take this group of talented players to our home in Manchester and let them experience what it is like to be an academy player at Manchester City.
“The Abu Dhabi clubs are doing a great job in youth football and to see all these players combining to make a squad was a great learning for all.
“The ADSC have been very supportive in developing the game amongst the youth of the UAE and trips like this are vital to that.
“A real highlight was watching the game against the Manchester City academy team, where both teams of talented young players expressed themselves in a creative environment.”
