Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
City Football Schools (CFS), the local grassroots development arm of Manchester City, has entered into a landmark collaboration with Al Jazira Academy which will see talented players in the UAE supported on a professional pathway from the age of six years old.
From the start of next season, CFS will deliver the coaching for the Al Jazira Academy’s foundation phase for six to nine-year-old children.
With more than a decade of coaching in the UAE, built on the philosophy and training programme of the Manchester City Academy, the parent company City Football Group (CFG) will supply the coaches – all of whom hold a minimum UEFA B qualification, and have undergone Manchester City’s in-house education of the coaches.
They will then transmit the know-how to equip Al Jazira’s young players, introducing them to a structured common methodology designed to create elite players across all CFG clubs. This will be combined with the principles of a safe, creative and positive space, with player happiness and welfare at the forefront of the learning environment.
The move further demonstrates the unique and authentic player pathway in the UAE, allowing players who have demonstrated talent and aptitude for the game to flourish in a professional club and work through different age groups, with the ultimate aim of signing a professional first-team contract in the future.
Scott Sellars, Sporting Director of Al Jazira club, said: “As the Pride of Abu Dhabi, we want to be able to offer young players the opportunity to excel and go as far as possible in the world of football. We are excited that some of the players who join us next season might be those running out with not only our first team, but also the UAE national team in the future.”
Simon Hewitt, the CFG’s Head of Football Operations MENA, said: “This is a revolutionary partnership that will provide young players an incredible footballing opportunity for years to come. Early sports and football fundamentals are so important for a player’s development.
“We will look for the best six to nine-year-olds in Abu Dhabi; everything from coaching to facilities and wider pastoral care will be best in class with the goal of harnessing their skills and supporting them to reach the next level.”
The CFS programme in UAE involves coaching over 2,500 players, who train with City coaches on a weekly basis across eight venues in the UAE.
