What’s On details Manchester City in Abu Dhabi and the coaching sessions run by the Premier League champions at Zayed Sports City for boys and girls, 5-18.

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English Premier League champions Manchester City have announced a new series of coaching sessions with the club’s registered trainers right here in the UAE.

With the support of manager Manuel Pellegrini and star midfielder Samir Nasri, the classes will launch at the end of end of August at the indoor arena at Zayed Sports City before going out onto the pitches once the weather cools.

All coaching staff have been taught ‘in the way of Manchester City’, working closely with those who are part of the day-to-day set up at the club’s headquarters in the north of England.

The late Summer camps are open to boys and girls aged between five and 18. Those keen to book are asked to email adsof@mcfc.co.uk or call 050 812 8051.

Boss Pellegrini, who led the squad on an end-of-season visit to the region back in May as part of the Hazza Bin Zayed official opening, said of the announcement: “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. What we must do as a club is make sure the same methods are used by everyone and it is not just important what happens on the pitch but also what happens off it.

“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.”

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

Earlier this year, in one of the most hotly anticipated sporting events to be held in the UAE for some time, the likes of Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero all met with fans during a short stay. Other squad members then took to the field at Al Ain’s newly-opened stadium against the backdrop of a festival atmosphere and a packed out crowd.