Manchester City Football Schools Return to Abu Dhabi

The Etihad Airways Manchester City Football Club Soccer Schools return to Abu Dhabi this week, with youngsters from across the emirate set to receive top training tips and advice from Manchester City coaches.

More than 600 children, aged between 7 and 14 years old, have been selected from local and international schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to participate in the event.

 Manchester City and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given will attend the first day of the Soccer Schools. Shay is one of Manchester City’s most popular players and is renowned for his ability to coach youngsters. He will also make a special appearance at the Official Manchester City Football Club Store at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, on Tuesday, 22 March, at 7pm.

“Etihad Airways is delighted to welcome the playing and coaching staff from Manchester City to Abu Dhabi for the 2011 Soccer Schools for the second year running,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer. “Shay Given is one of the most recognisable faces in the English Premier League and certain to be a hit with the children ... It is also a great opportunity for the Manchester City coaches to view Emirati footballing talent and for Etihad to support grass roots sport in the UAE.”

Garry Cook, Chief Executive of Manchester City Football Club, added, “Following the huge success of our first Etihad Soccer School last year, we are delighted to return to Abu Dhabi and help promote grass roots football in the region. The UAE has enormous potential, due to its wealth of young gifted players and passion for the modern game ... Manchester City Football Club is honoured to be able to share our knowledge, skills and coaching techniques to not only help develop football in Abu Dhabi, but also the UAE’s growing reputation in world sport.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Jazira Football Club will host the first three days of action, from today (Monday, 21 March) to Wednesday, 23 March 2011. The schools then head to the Al Ain English Speaking School on Thursday, 24 March, before returning to Abu Dhabi on Friday, 25 March.

New to the schools this year will be a special session each morning specifically for children from the Zayed Higher Organisation. There will also be the first girls only session in Al Ain.

Note: Football is called soccer in some parts of the world.

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