Manchester City has launched its first ever international School of Football in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reports Sport Business. The school, located at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, will feature professional coaches from the Barclays Premier League leader. Boys and girls in the UAE can now sign up for the 10-week course, which starts the week of January 15 and is priced at AED1750 (£305).
"We welcome players of all abilities and everyone will be able to improve their skills and have plenty of fun as they do," Makel said.
"A lot of coaching we will be doing is the same as that which we do at the club every day and so boys and girls here in the UAE will be getting genuine Premier League instruction." "We held some sessions with local young players in preparation for the School of Football and I have been very impressed with not only the standard but also with the huge enthusiasm and love for the game," said School of Football coach Gavin Makel.
The School of Football is part of City's drive to bring fans and players in the UAE closer to the club.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, bought City in 2008. The club has also launched Sky Blue membership, which is free and comes with a range of benefits for members such as big match screening events in Abu Dhabi and discounts on trips to watch the team in action at the club's Etihad Stadium.
