Thousands of young footballers from around the world will gather in Abu Dhabi for the most vibrant football tournament the region has ever seen. A total of 130 teams will compete in the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup on the pitches at Zayed Sports City on the weekend of March 29 and 30.
Organised by Manchester City, the event welcomes teams from the Manchester City Academy and Melbourne City Academy and teams from countries such as South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and the UAE.
Manchester City Academy Director Jason Wilcox will also be in Abu Dhabi to attend the event. The two-day football tournament will see girls’ teams take part for the very first time.
Simon Hewitt, from Manchester City, said: “We are now in the third year of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup. This is by far the biggest and most diverse edition so far. We have seen amazing interest from all over the world and it’s going to be a true festival of football.”
The teams are split into age groups of under 8s, under 10s, under 12s, under 14s and under 16s, as they compete to be winners across the two days and be crowned champions on the Saturday afternoon.
In addition to the trophy, the winning team will get a specially designed training programme with Manchester City coaches and a trip to watch the first team in action at the famous Etihad Stadium.
Yasser Al Yousuf, Vice President Commercial Partnerships, Etihad Airways said: “As part of our strategy to bring Abu Dhabi to the world, we are excited to see young football players and fans from across the world following their passion and competing in Abu Dhabi as part of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup.”
During the weekend, players and fans will get the chance to have a picture taken with the English Premier League trophy won by Manchester City last season.
Saeed Al Saeed, Destination Marketing Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Aside from looking forward to the tournament itself, what we are also excited about is having the chance to showcase the emirate’s attractions to the players, coaches and fans coming for the Abu Dhabi Cup, many of whom will be visiting us for the first time. Our theme parks, beaches, and world-class retail experiences will surely be a hit with the crowds.”
Abu Dhabi Sports Council is also playing a key part in the tournament as they encourage local players and coaches to learn from it as much as possible.
HE Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC said: “What an achievement it is to have so many talented teams coming to Abu Dhabi – it will benefit everyone involved in sports and football in the emirate.”
