Manchester City's Phil Foden asks aspiring footballers in UAE to play with a smile on their face

Midfielder tells City Football Schools’ Lewis Childs he is keen to see how local talent develops through the Talented Player Programme

Manchester City star Phil Foden has highlighted the importance of City Football Schools’ Talented Player Programme, which is currently in operation across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and urged youngsters to enjoy the game.

As part of City Football Schools’ 10-year anniversary celebrations, Foden conducted a call with Lewis Childs, who coached the midfielder when he was just starting out on his football journey. Childs now oversees the Talented Player Programme in the UAE.

The two men go back a long way, with Childs helping to guide a young Foden at the Manchester City Academy in the UK in his early years.

“I first worked with Phil at Under-7 and Under-8 level in Manchester, and he was an obvious talent,” explained Childs, a UEFA A License coach who has been with City Football Schools in the UAE for eight years.

“What stood out, even back then, was his fantastic attitude. He’s a great character and he has a natural talent which he has made the most of."

The Talented Player Programme focuses on helping young players aged 11-14 to develop and fulfil their potential through a combination of advanced coaching techniques and competitive matches both locally and internationally. Standout performers earn a chance to train with various City Football Group clubs around the world, including Manchester City and New York City.

________________

Manchester City season ratings

________________

Foden offered some important words of advice for aspiring players in the UAE.

“I think the main point is to enjoy it at the young ages and have a smile on your face, that’s what I did growing up,” says the 20-year-old.

“It’s important that you have your own personality on the pitch and try to express yourself as much as possible.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Talented Player Programme and watching how the players progress.”

Having known Foden since he was a young boy, Childs isn’t surprised with the midfielder’s rise in the Manchester City first team.

“Phil’s very humble, he comes from a great family,” he says.

“He’s been given great support by the club and the coaching staff down the years, and he’s taken his opportunity.

“I still speak to some of the coaches in Manchester now and they say he hasn’t changed at all – he just loves football.”