Source : WAM
The seventh edition of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup youth football tournament will begin on Friday at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, featuring a record 250 teams from 20 countries across four continents.
The three-day event, running until 11 January, is expected to welcome over 8,000 players and visitors for the first time. Teams will compete in age categories ranging from under-8 to under-16.
Women’s football will also take center stage, with 44 girls’ teams participating, including two from Manchester City’s Academy in the UK.
Manchester City legend Nedum Onuoha serves as the official ambassador for the Cup and emphasized the tournament’s role in developing the sport’s future stars.
The former defender, who represented Manchester City between 2004 and 2012, said, “Tournaments like this are so important for young players, both in terms of their on-field development, but also personal development too. I am looking forward to more of the same this weekend.”
Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations MENA, City Football Group and Tournament Director of Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup, said, “The line-up of teams from across the world is incredible and we’re expecting a brilliant standard of play. To everyone attending this weekend, we offer our sincere thanks for helping make the tournament what it is, the biggest and best in the region.”
