Partnership will ‘nurture future stars’ at Al-Jazira, says Manchester City academy director

ABU DHABI: City Football Group and Al-Jazira Club have announced a collaboration agreement focused on supporting the latter’s long-term football development.

The new agreement will expand upon CFG’s existing consultancy work with Al-Jazira Academy and include advising on other key areas of football strategy.

CFG has supported the Abu Dhabi academy for the past two seasons, providing expertise in coaching methodology and education, technology, facilities and operations. The collaboration aims to attract top talent and nurture future stars following successes like the U-21 team’s double win of the Emirates Cup and Super Cup in the 2024-25 season.

Manchester City Academy director Thomas Kruecken said Al-Jazira had a clear vision — to provide the best development platform for young footballers in the UAE.

“We support this vision,” he said. “For the past two years, our teams have been working together at the academy level where City Football Group has been providing consultancy services for Al-Jazira Academy.

“In the future, we will continue exchanging ideas and best practices … and make sure Al-Jazira Academy gets the best possible support to fulfil their ambitions.”

Kruecken also laid out the goals — short and long term — that the link will aim to achieve.

“This collaboration aims to attract top talent and nurture future stars, following successes like the Al-Jazira Academy’s U-21 team’s remarkable double win of the Emirates Cup and Super Cup in the 2024/25 season,” he said. “Attracting top talent will help support Al-Jazira Club (to) be sustainable for the long-term.

“In Manchester, a lot of players have come through at Manchester City Academy at a young age and have now become world-class players,” he added.