Manchester City Cup in Abu Dhabi achieves record numbers in its seventh edition
ABU DHABI, 14th JANUARY / WAM / The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Youth Football Cup, in its seventh edition, concluded its competitions, achieving record numbers in terms of the number of participants and attendance, with the participation of more than 3,500 players, both male and female, from 18 countries, who competed over three days in Zayed Sports City.
The tournament, which is considered the largest of its kind in the region, witnessed the participation of 244 teams in eight age categories, including 5 boys and 3 girls, with the participation of local and international clubs, including Al Jazira, Baniyas, Al Wahda, Al Ain, Manchester City and Melbourne City, amid a crowd of more than 8,000 spectators.
The Omani Al Seeb team, champion of the U-16 category for the second year in a row, won a trip to one of the Manchester City Football Group clubs after drawing lots, while the Resistencia team from Singapore, champion of the U-14 girls category, got the opportunity to participate in a three-day training course under the supervision of Manchester City Football Schools coaches.
During the tournament, 2,562 goals were scored in 1,435 matches, and 44 girls’ teams participated, an indicator that reflects the growing presence of women’s football in the Emirates and the region.
Nedum Onuoha, former Manchester City defender and tournament ambassador, confirmed that the event continues to develop year after year, praising the high technical level and the importance of the tournament in refining young talents and providing a competitive environment that supports the development of players.
For his part, Simon Hewitt, Head of Football Operations in the Middle East and North Africa region at City Football Group and Tournament Director, said that the 2026 edition embodied the role of football in enhancing communication between cultures, stressing the start of preparations for the next edition in 2027 to continue the process of development and success.
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