Young UAE footballers inspired by trip to Manchester City FC

Young footballers from the UAE discovered exactly what life is like as an English Premier League player during a visit to Manchester City FC.

The 48 boys and girls, who all train at City Football Schools in Abu Dhabi, recently spent five days at the club’s Etihad Campus where they were trained by the professional coaching team, had the opportunity to play on the famous Etihad Stadium pitch, and were even put in the spotlight for a mock-match day press conference.

During their trip, they also welcomed first team players onto the pitch before watching City triumph 2-1 against Burnley.

Qaiser Giles, a ten-year-old player from Abu Dhabi who went on the trip, said, "Everything about the trip was amazing. From practicing at the academy, being able to try out the facilities, to watching the top players on the pitch, you really get to experience how professional Manchester City players have developed and have made it to the top."

City Football Schools have been taking place in Abu Dhabi for more than four years, with sessions held at Zayed Sports City, New York University Saadiyat Campus and the newly added Emirates Palace location.

City Football Schools gives the younger generation in Abu Dhabi an opportunity to improve their football skills, stay healthy, make friends and have lots of fun in a positive and friendly learning environment.

Simon Hewitt, City Football Schools Project Manager, said, "We are delighted to be able to offer this experience to our City Football School footballers as they get first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a professional football player at Manchester City."

"It’s undoubtedly one of the best learning experiences they can get and it’s wonderful to see how this trip has inspired them all."