• The team was made up of 12-year-old boys from City Football Schools’ Talented Player Program
• The tournament also featured City Football Group’s Manchester City Academy, along with Inter Milan and Torino

Dubai, UAE - November 20, 2019:  A talented group of players from City Football Schools took part in the Oman International Youth Cup last weekend and produced an eye-catching performance, eventually finishing the tournament in third place having tested themselves against some of Europe’s best young teams.

The competition took place over the course of two days in Muscat, Oman, and also featured Serie A sides Inter Milan and Torino, as well as City Football Group’s very own Manchester City. There were also several local teams involved in the action, which was both exciting and entertaining, as the youngsters showcased their undoubted skill and passion for the game.

Representing City Football Schools were youngsters aged 12 who are part of the Talented Player Program (TPP), created to provide aspiring young footballers with further opportunities. Forty players have been selected to make the step up to this program, due to the quality and consistency they have shown on the pitch. The TPP is a natural step for the City Football Schools program, which has welcomed and coached many children since launch in 2012.

At the tournament, there was no shortage of talent, with four of the players involved for City Football Schools having trained at City Football Group clubs such as Manchester City, New York City and Yokohama this past summer.

The competition gave the players a platform to show what they can do against strong opposition, with Manchester City and the two Italian clubs the benchmark.
However, City Football Schools had every reason to be proud of their overall performance and they deservedly took the bronze prize having tested their abilities against teams with various qualities and strengths, an invaluable learning curve at their young age.

Simon Hewitt, head of football operations and designated safeguarding officer – MENA, explained how their involvement in the competition will enable the youngsters to develop and grow.

“It was a great tournament to be invited to and another important learning experience for our players,” he said. “To play in international countries against top European academies is what these players need to further challenge them.

“For the players in the TPP program who have trained with our very own Manchester City, Yokohama and New York City academies it’s another step on their journeys and we were delighted with the way they played throughout the weekend.

“Next up for this group of players is to continue their on-field and off field development ahead of our very own Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup in March 2020.”