Abu Dhabi: City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club Academy have announced a significant collaboration aimed at nurturing young football talent in the UAE, starting from the age of six.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership will see City Football Schools overseeing the coaching for Al Jazira Club Academy's foundation phase, targeting players aged six to nine. City Football Schools, which follows the Manchester City Academy's philosophy and training program, will provide highly qualified coaches who hold at least a UEFA B qualification and have completed Manchester City's internal coach education.
The initiative is designed to introduce young players to a structured methodology that is employed globally across all City Football Group clubs. This approach focuses on creating elite players while ensuring a safe, creative, and positive environment where player happiness and welfare are prioritized.
This collaboration highlights the unique player pathway in the UAE, enabling talented young players to progress through various age groups within a professional club. The ultimate aim is to prepare them for potential professional first-team contracts in the future, while also contributing to the overall development of football in the UAE.
City Football Group's Head of Football Operations MENA, Simon Hewitt, emphasized the partnership's potential to provide young players with exceptional footballing opportunities. Hewitt highlighted the importance of foundational sports and football skills in player development and expressed the goal of supporting young talents to advance to the next level.
The partnership will enhance the City Football Schools program, which already coaches over 2,500 players across eight venues in the UAE. This collaboration with Al Jazira Club is expected to benefit not only the players and the club but also the broader football ecosystem in the country.
Scott Sellars, Sporting Director of Al Jazira Club, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting the potential for young players to excel in football and possibly represent both Al Jazira's first team and the UAE national team in the future.