City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club Academy have announced a landmark partnership aimed at transforming football development in the UAE. Starting next season, the collaboration will nurture young talent from as early as six years old, creating a direct professional pathway for future stars.
Coaching Excellence from City Football Schools
From next season onwards, City Football Schools will take over the coaching of the foundation phase at Al Jazira Club Academy for players aged six to nine. This coaching programme will follow the same training methodology used by the Manchester City Academy and all City Football Group clubs globally.
All coaches will hold a minimum UEFA B qualification and complete Manchester City’s internal coach training. They will introduce young players to a world-class development approach focused on structured learning, creativity, and well-being. Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations MENA at City Football Group 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.”
A First-of-Its-Kind Football Pathway in the UAE
This new model provides a unique player development journey within the UAE. Talented young athletes will have the chance to grow within a professional club structure, moving through age groups with the long-term aim of reaching first-team or national-level football.
“The pathway being created between City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club hasn’t been seen before in the UAE,” added Hewitt.
“It will benefit players, the Club, and the wider football ecosystem in the country.”
Supporting Over 2,500 Young Footballers Weekly
City Football Schools already coaches over 2,500 players — boys and girls — across eight venues in the UAE. This partnership with Al Jazira will only strengthen opportunities for emerging talent in Abu Dhabi and beyond. Scott Sellars, Sporting Director of Al Jazira Club also shared his excitement,
“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 This June
Trials for players born in 2017, 2018, or 2019 will be held on Saturday, 21 June, at Active Al Maryah Dome, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, from 9am to 1pm.
To register, visit:
👉 https://forms.office.com/e/sEN7ERbyFM
About City Football Schools
Established in 2012, and built on the philosophy and training programme of the Manchester City Academy, City Football Schools offers boys and girls aged between 3 to 18-years-old an opportunity to improve their football skills, stay healthy, make friends and have fun in a positive and friendly learning environment. Sessions are held across various locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ajman, and are under the guidance and supervision of fully qualified City Football coaches.