City Football Schools and FAB announce golden opportunity for five talented youngsters

Players aged 11-14 get a chance to join the squad for next season and perhaps train with Manchester City

Aymeric Laporte with with students of Manchester City Football School at the Zayed Sports city in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Pawan Singh / The National

City Football Schools and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) announced the next phase of the Talented Player Programme, which will give five young players the chance to join the squad for next season and may earn them a chance to train with Manchester City.

The initiative, running in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, focuses on helping players aged 11-14 to develop and fulfil their potential through a combination of advanced coaching techniques and competitive matches locally and internationally.

The Talented Player Programme provides a perfect platform for young footballers to improve under the guidance of expert coaches.

Previously, some of the standout performers have been selected to visit and train with various City Football Group clubs around the world, including Manchester City and New York City.

The programme will include vital specialist sessions such as yoga, strength and conditioning, recovery and regular fitness testing. These elements are a key part of a young footballers’ development to ensure all integral components are covered.

Humaid Al Ameri, who has made excellent strides since joining the Talented Player Programme one year ago, highlights some of the key factors in his development.

“I enjoy the engagement with other players and coaches, who make a really big effort to help us improve every single day,” says the 13-year-old. “I’m a midfielder but they have made me play in defence and attack in different matches, which has helped my development a lot.

“The training sessions are important, and you have to do well in order to make sure you perform when it comes to matches."

Joyseej Mukherjee, Head of PBG International Business Development and Head of Cards UAE at First Abu Dhabi Bank, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with City Football Schools in order to provide a unique opportunity for talented young footballers in the UAE to foster their talents and achieve their dreams. FAB is looking forward to working in partnership with City Football Schools on what we believe is a hugely significant project for aspiring young players, in line with our continuous efforts to support our communities.”