Latest news with #CityFootballSchools
Al Etihad
12 hours ago
- Business
- 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.'
Arab News
21 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club Academy announce talent development program
ABU DHABI: City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club Academy have announced a landmark collaboration that will see talented players in the UAE helped on a professional pathway from the age of 6 years old. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport From the start of next season, City Football Schools will deliver coaching for the Al-Jazira Club Academy's foundation phase for 6- to 9-year-olds. With more than a decade of coaching in the UAE, built on the philosophy and training program 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 education. They 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 environment. The move will allow 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. For those behind this partnership, this not only offers the opportunity to help produce the stars of tomorrow for Al-Jazira Club, but it will also contribute to the wider development of football in the UAE. Simon Hewitt, City Football Group's head of football operations in the Middle East and North Africa, 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 6- to 9-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 program that 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.' Open trials for young players born in 2017, 2018, or 2019 will take place on Saturday, June 21, at Active Al-Maryah Dome, Al-Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
Gulf Today
26-02-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Man City Abu Dhabi cup is crucial for growth of football in region, says Onuoha
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes tournaments such as the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup are crucial for young players to test themselves against local and international teams and develop their game. Onuoha was present for the sixth edition of the annual tournament in his role as the Cup ambassador where he had coached a side from City Football Schools, one of 180 teams from around the world that was part of the event. The tournament attracted more than 2,500 young players and he relished the opportunity of being on the sidelines for CFS, which Onuoha believes is important for players development. Speaking to Gulf Today, he said: 'From the first kick-off to now, I've seen players improve, learning how to manage a tournament, understand in-game situations, and think more strategically. While I didn't play today, I truly enjoyed watching them develop throughout the day. There are so many lessons to share, but for me, coaching feels similar to being a captain—you observe, use your experience, and try to guide your team in the best possible way.' The tournament at Zayed Sports City also saw more than 30 girls teams take part across three age categories – U13, U15 and U17s. Simon Hewitt, Tournament Director, and Director of Football Operations MENA for City Football Group, said growing the girls game is a key focus. He said: 'Girls' football is a high priority for us at Manchester City, and it's fantastic to see that reflected at the Man City Abu Dhabi Cup. This year, we had 35 girls' teams competing, which is a huge step forward. It's important for us to ensure that girls have the same opportunities in football as boys do. Seeing so many girls participating, having fun with their friends, and playing at the same high level is something we're incredibly proud of.'
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
City Football Schools and Aldar Education form groundbreaking partnership
Abu Dhabi: City Football Schools and Aldar Education have joined together on a pioneering partnership that will see City coaches embedded in schools to help drive excellence, participation, and enhance the wellbeing of students in Abu Dhabi. This first-of-its-kind partnership sees male and female coaches based permanently in schools offering their unrivalled expertise not only on the football pitch, and in physical training, but also their ability to educate young people on the importance of setting good habits when it comes to overall wellbeing. The initiative will give students the opportunity to learn from top-level coaches who have come through the renowned Manchester City system. Coaches will be delivering world renowned Manchester City football knowledge and methodology offering students the opportunity to develop their football skills in fun, safe, and positive environment. Off the pitch, everything from the importance of a balanced diet, proper hydration, optimal sleep, mental health, and making good lifestyle choices, will be covered by the coaches. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Yas American Academy, and Al Muna Academy will be the first schools to participate, with an expansion plan to include all Aldar schools. Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations MENA for City Football Schools, said: 'For years, City Football Schools have been dedicated to helping players improve their football skills and delivering a message of staying active and maintaining a healthy. 'We are extremely thankful and excited for this partnership with Aldar Education as it will allow us to reach more young people than ever before and help them navigate what can be a difficult journey in the world of health and wellbeing[OT2] . 'Our goal is to engage and educate as many students as possible - on the pitch and off it - helping them to live healthier, more active, and happier lives.' Kevin Doble, Director of Education at Aldar Education said: 'We are delighted to partner with City Football Schools on this project. At Aldar Education, the wellbeing of our students, both mental and physical, is at the heart of everything we do. This partnership will provide students with direct access to world-class coaching and holistic lifestyle education, helping them develop not only their football skills but also lifelong habits around fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative as we empower our students to lead active, healthy, and balanced lives.' City Football Schools has a long history of helping educate young people in Abu Dhabi. The Healthy Lifestyle Programme has reached more than 60,000 pupils across Abu Dhabi, delivering the message of how an active lifestyle and healthy habits can benefit young people. -Ends- About Aldar Education Aldar Education is a leading education provider in the UAE, and one of the largest private education providers in Abu Dhabi with over 38,000 students across 31 operated and managed schools and a growing network of educators from over 100 nationalities. As one of the most sought-after institutions, Aldar Education delivers inclusive, sustainable, and innovative learning through a wide range of curriculum and ancillary services, ensuring a holistic approach to transformational growth through agility and sustainability. With excellence at the heart of its operations, Aldar Education is driven by a vision to deliver the highest standards of globally relevant education. It is committed to cultivating the most sustainable and inclusive learning communities that enrich every aspect of a student's life, directly supporting the UAE's vision for a sustainable knowledge-based economy. Aldar Academies, part of Aldar Education's schools' network, one of the largest private education providers in Abu Dhabi. It provides inspiring learning environments, combining the very best academic, arts, and sporting facilities with the highest standards of teaching. From a single school with 250 students in 2007, Aldar Academies now operates seven academies in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with 9,500 students. For more information on Aldar Education, please visit
