e& partners with Manchester City to support young UAE footballers

ABU DHABI: The company e&, formerly known as Etisalat Group, announced on Wednesday its continued partnership with Manchester City’s Football Schools to support the development of young players.

First launched in 2019, the Talented Player Program provides a platform for those aged 11 to 16 across Abu Dhabi and Dubai to fulfil their potential under the guidance of expert coaches from City Football Schools. The TPP has seen over 50 players transition in the last three years into elite environments.

With the support of e&, the technology and investment conglomerate, the program will help young players travel for training at partner clubs around the world.

“Since the Manchester City Football School launched in 2011 in Abu Dhabi, it has seen over 10,000 players take part in around 50,000 sessions and the Talented Player Program has been a hugely successful part of our delivery in the UAE,” said Simon Hewitt, senior manager football education MENA.

“Through the program, players have signed for professional academies in the UAE, UK, Italy, Spain and Egypt, including one player at our very own Manchester City,” said Hewitt.

“We are excited that this platform opens new horizons for players to excel and with the support of e&, we are confident that we will see more success stories in the years to come.”

Etisalat has been the Official Telecommunications Partner of Manchester City since 2009, with the agreement recently extended for a sixth term.