Manchester City legends Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott emphasised the importance of grassroots football for aspiring footballers in the UAE, saying it’s crucial in their development on and off the pitch as they visited a City Football Schools’ session in Abu Dhabi.
Former City defenders Richards and Lescott made a stop at Zayed Sports City to see the UAE’s future stars. They were impressed by what they saw and believe their time on the pitch at such a young age will bode well for their future.
Richards, a Premier League and FA Cup winner 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 teams for City, 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.”
Since 2012, City Football Schools has established itself as a top football academy in the UAE, giving boys and girls aged between 3 to 18-years-old an opportunity to improve their football skills, stay healthy, and have fun in a positive and friendly learning environment.
A number of its players have gone on to represent national teams at age-group level while its Talented Player Programme pathway has seen many sign professional terms with UAE’s Al Jazira Football Club.
