City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club Academy Launch Groundbreaking Youth Development Partnership
In a landmark collaboration, City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club Academy have announced a jointly driven initiative aimed at developing talented football players in the UAE—starting from as young as six years old. This partnership is set to begin at the start of the next football season, where City Football Schools will assume responsibility for the coaching of Al Jazira Club Academy’s foundation phase for children aged six to nine.
Drawing on over a decade of coaching experience in the region and following the highly regarded Manchester City Academy philosophy, City Football Schools will provide UEFA B qualified coaches who have also completed Manchester City’s in-house coach education. These coaches will introduce Al Jazira’s young players to a structured methodology that focuses on elite player development, while prioritizing a safe, creative, and positive environment for learning, with an emphasis on player happiness and welfare.
This collaboration further advances the UAE’s unique and authentic player pathway, supporting young athletes who show talent and a passion for football to pursue a professional career. The aim is not only to nurture the stars of tomorrow for Al Jazira Club, but also to contribute to the advancement of football across the UAE.
Simon Hewitt:
“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.”
The partnership will complement the already market-leading City Football Schools programme—which currently coaches over 2,500 players across eight venues in the UAE, providing opportunities for both male and female players.
Simon Hewitt:
“The pathway being created between City Football Schools and Al Jazira Club hasn’t been seen before in the UAE and will benefit players, the Club, and the wider football ecosystem in the country.”
Scott Sellars:
“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.”
This pioneering partnership signals a new era for youth football development in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, laying a strong foundation for future local and national talent.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
