Abu Dhabi: Manchester City academy director Jason Wilcox is preparing his team to take on sides from all over the world in the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup at Zayed Sports City this weekend on March 23-24.
Melbourne City will also debut at the event thanks to support from Etihad Airways and will be joined by sides from Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE.
Wilcox, 46, who won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers as a player in 1995 before going on to join Leeds, Leicester and Blackpool, said: “It is a priority for players to experience all aspects of the game and that’s why it is great for youth teams to travel and compete in different countries.
“For me, as the academy director, it is also good to witness the standard of football across the world to ensure we as a club are doing everything to ensure our players are learning and developing constantly. We can’t wait to arrive and experience Abu Dhabi and the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup for the first time.”
Ninety six teams will compete in total with the winners getting an all-expenses paid trip to the Etihad Campus in Manchester where they will train at the same facilities as City stars like Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero.
The event is supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Tourism and Culture and Etihad Airways.
Etihad commercial executive vice-president Mohammad Al Bulooki said: “Etihad Airways is delighted to support youth development in the UAE and one of the ways we can do that is by supporting events like the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup with a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime training prize and air travel for teams travelling from far afield.”
Entrance is free for spectators this weekend and visitors can enjoy the City Village, which includes live entertainment, refreshments and activities for the whole family. For further information visit: www.citycupabudhabi.com
