Man City football stars praise UAE’s youth players

As the club launched its latest soccer school for youngsters, midfielder Samir Nasri said: 'The game has always been popular in the Middle East but I really see that the new emerging players are taking the standards higher and it is only going to get better from here.'

Manchester City Football Club manager Manuel Pellegrini, right, and star midfielder Samir Nasri at a coaching session at the Manchester City Football School in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy City Football SchoolShow more

ABU DHABI // Manchester City FC manager Manuel Pellegrini and star midfielder Samir Nasri say they are proud of the work their club is doing to develop young UAE players.

They pair were present as the club launched its latest coaching sessions for youngsters at the Manchester City Football School at Zayed Sports City.

“Football is very much about passion and I see that with the young players and fans in Abu Dhabi,” Nasri said.

“The game has always been popular in the Middle East but I really see the new emerging players are taking the standards higher, and it is only going to get better from here.”

Pellegrini, the Chilean manager of the reigning English Premier League champions, said: “The importance of coaching starts at a young age and it is great the way these players in Abu Dhabi, both boys and girls, are being taught in the right way.

“Manchester City is now a global team and that strikes me when I see what is happening in Abu Dhabi with the young player coaching. It’s very satisfying.

“What we must do as a club is make sure the same methods are used by everyone. It is not just important what happens on the pitch but also what happens off it.”

The training sessions are for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 18 years who want to learn football skills from professional coaches.

The classes start in August at the indoor arena at Zayed Sports City, before moving to the outdoor pitches when the weather cools.

Hundreds of players have been taught by the club in the three years the classes have been running.

This year, more coaches and trainers have been hired to add even more classes.