Manchester City legends Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott underlined the importance of grassroots football for young girls and boys in the UAE as they spent an afternoon with players at City Football Schools in Abu Dhabi. The former Premier League and FA Cup winners visited Zayed Sports City to meet the next generation and see firsthand how the UAE’s youth football ecosystem continues to grow.
Richards and Lescott watched a City Football Schools session in full flow and said they were impressed by the standard on display and by the enthusiasm of the young players.
Richards, who lifted both the Premier League and FA Cup during his time with Manchester City, said, “The level of football that I’ve seen is really good. Not everyone is going to make it as a footballer when they grow up but the most important thing is interacting with people and enjoying the game and they have excellent facilities.”
Lescott, also an FA Cup winner and part of two Premier League title-winning squads for City, praised the broader benefits of team sport and the value of having accessible pathways for the UAE’s young footballers. He said, “There are so many benefits of playing in a team sport and it’s important that young girls and boys are having the opportunity to play, which they get here in Abu Dhabi. It’s the foundation of every sport and every player who has reached the highest level has played grassroots football. It’s an important step in developing players for the future.”
City Football Schools has become one of the UAE’s leading football development platforms since its launch in 2012. It offers girls and boys aged three to eighteen the chance to build technical skills, stay healthy and enjoy the game in a positive environment supported by fully qualified Manchester City coaches. Over the years, several players have progressed into national age-group teams while the Talented Player Programme has seen a number sign professional terms with Al Jazira Football Club.
The visit by Richards and Lescott reflects the growing ambition of the UAE’s youth football community and the role grassroots programmes continue to play in shaping the next generation of players. City Football Schools remains committed to providing a pathway where young athletes can develop confidence, character and a lifelong connection to the sport.
