Latest news with #SimonHewitt
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.'
Gulf Today
07-04-2025
- Sport
- 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
- Sport
- 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."
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
