Local Children Train With Manchester City Stars

As part of the warm up to the ‘Our Country versus Our City’ football fixture between Manchester City FC and the UAE National Team, local Emirati and expatriate children attended a football clinic on Tuesday 10 November hosted by star players from Manchester City FC.

The budding young local footballers were able to enhance their skills at the sessions, led by Manchester City players Sylvinho and Pablo Zabaleta at Emirates Palace Hotel with Mark Hughes, the manager of Manchester City FC, overseeing the special event.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “Etihad Airways is keen to bring Manchester City FC to Abu Dhabi on a more regular basis to enhance the development of local sport, particularly as the team is so well supported by the community here in the United Arab Emirates.

“This football clinic presents the opportunity of a lifetime to these children, providing them with the chance to learn first-hand from some of the stars from one of the UK’s premier teams.”

Mark Hughes said: “We are pleased to have been able to come out to the United Arab Emirates and pass on some tips to the local children. There are some talented youngsters here in Abu Dhabi who with the right opportunities and the continuing growth of football in the region, could go on in time to play professionally.”

The local children played an 11-a-side fixture following the coaching clinic, with each team representing either Manchester City FC or the UAE National side.

Etihad Airways is also offering local supporters in the UAE the chance to attend and watch a live game in Manchester. To enter fans must obtain a special car sticker from one of the Etihad retail shops and display it in their car at the Manchester City FC versus UAE National team match.

One car displaying the sticker will be selected, with the driver winning two tickets to the match between Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday 5 December, including flights and accommodation.

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