Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2026 to kick off with a expanded schedule
The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup will return in 2026 with an exciting expansion to a three-day tournament, following a record-breaking 2025 edition.
In February this year, 180 teams from 31 countries participated in the region's tournament of choice, held at Zayed Sports City. The tournament has become a must for global teams and with demand already high for 2026, it was decided to expand the tournament further.
A third day will allow more teams to join the amazing event and allow all players more time on the pitch. An enhanced opening ceremony and City Village will add to the overall visitor experience.
Taking place from February 13-15 next year, registrations opened on April 1 with an exceptional response.
Simon Hewitt, Director of Football Operations Mena said: 'Every year we ask ourselves how we can evolve the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup, and given the response to the 2025 edition, the only plausible solution was to expand 2026 to three days.
'The demand for places this year was incredible with teams from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe all wanting to be part of the region's tournament of choice. We want to be able to give as many boys and girls the opportunity to take part and come to Abu Dhabi and are incredibly excited at the prospect of an expanded tournament next year.
'Even though 2026 registrations have only been open a matter of days, we have been inundated with sign-ups and enquiries from across the world. We might be almost eleven months away but the planning is very much underway as we look to deliver another memorable Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup.'
The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup has become a premier international youth tournament since its inception in 2017. The 2025 edition saw over 2,500 players competing in 650 matches, across eight boys and girls age groups including 61 sides from outside the UAE taking part, travelling from as far as Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Russia, France, Belarus and Turkmenistan.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
7 hours ago
- Al Etihad
City Football Schools, Al Jazira Club Academy announce partnership to help develop next generation of football talent
9 June 2025 21:52 ABU DHABI (WAM)City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club Academy Monday announced a landmark collaboration that will see talented players in the UAE developed and helped on a professional pathway from the age of six years old the start of next season, City Football Schools will deliver the coaching for the Al Jazira Club Academy foundation phase for more than a decade of coaching in the UAE, built on the philosophy and training programme of the Manchester City Academy, City Football Schools will supply the coaches - all of whom hold a minimum UEFA B qualification, and have undergone Manchester City's in house coach will coach and develop Al Jazira's young players, introducing them to a structured methodology designed to create elite players, one that is used globally across all City Football Group 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 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 partnership offers the opportunity for producing the stars of tomorrow for Al Jazira Club, and it will also contribute to the wider development of football in the Football Group's Head of Football Operations MENA, Simon Hewitt 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 and give them an incredible start to their football journey. 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 new partnership will complement the market leading City Football Schools programme, which coaches over 2,500 players - both male and female - who train with City coaches on a weekly basis across eight venues in the UAE."The pathway being created between City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club hasn't been seen before in the UAE and will benefit players, the Club, and the wider football ecosystem in the country,' added Hewitt. Scott Sellars, Sporting Director of Al Jazira Club said: "We are delighted to partner with City Football Schools on such an exciting and visionary initiative. 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.'
Gulf Today
07-04-2025
- Gulf Today
Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2026 to kick off with a expanded schedule
The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup will return in 2026 with an exciting expansion to a three-day tournament, following a record-breaking 2025 edition. In February this year, 180 teams from 31 countries participated in the region's tournament of choice, held at Zayed Sports City. The tournament has become a must for global teams and with demand already high for 2026, it was decided to expand the tournament further. A third day will allow more teams to join the amazing event and allow all players more time on the pitch. An enhanced opening ceremony and City Village will add to the overall visitor experience. Taking place from February 13-15 next year, registrations opened on April 1 with an exceptional response. Simon Hewitt, Director of Football Operations Mena said: 'Every year we ask ourselves how we can evolve the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup, and given the response to the 2025 edition, the only plausible solution was to expand 2026 to three days. 'The demand for places this year was incredible with teams from across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe all wanting to be part of the region's tournament of choice. We want to be able to give as many boys and girls the opportunity to take part and come to Abu Dhabi and are incredibly excited at the prospect of an expanded tournament next year. 'Even though 2026 registrations have only been open a matter of days, we have been inundated with sign-ups and enquiries from across the world. We might be almost eleven months away but the planning is very much underway as we look to deliver another memorable Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup.' The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup has become a premier international youth tournament since its inception in 2017. The 2025 edition saw over 2,500 players competing in 650 matches, across eight boys and girls age groups including 61 sides from outside the UAE taking part, travelling from as far as Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Russia, France, Belarus and Turkmenistan.
Khaleej Times
13-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
Man City camp in Abu Dhabi a great platform for UAE youngsters
For those who dream of developing their football skills with the guidance of world-class Uefa-qualified coaches, the time has come. ES Dubai, the exchange school based in the UAE, has signed a partnership with Manchester City Football School. This offers an exclusive opportunity for young players to train at the Manchester City Football Camp in Abu Dhabi. The Summer Football Camp promises to be an unforgettable experience for young people who want to train with professional coaches. The football development programme aims not only to provide technical development but also to introduce participants to the culture and attractions of Abu Dhabi. It is the perfect destination for young people aged between 13 and 17. Participants will have the chance to train in world class facilities used by the club regularly, including Active Al Maryah Sports Complex. They will work with highly qualified coaches using methods that reflect the English club's dynamic and technical style of play. The camp is designed to transform participants, giving young athletes the chance to learn the techniques and tactics that make Manchester City one of the most successful teams in the Premier League. "Football, being a team sport, teaches young people to cooperate, communicate effectively, and face challenges collaboratively. Participating in a football programme helps cultivate values such as respect, responsibility, perseverance, and leadership. These values are essential both on the field and in daily life, preparing young people for challenging situations outside of sports," said Montserrat Taylor, CEO of ES Dubai. Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations Mena, said: "The partnership with ES camps will provide teenagers the chance to come and experience the best coaching, amazing culture and high quality teaching from ES Camps. These camps are truly groundbreaking in the UAE and we cannot wait to get them started in summer 2025."
