Phil Foden backs academy to produce more Manchester City stars

Star academy graduate Phil Foden has backed more young players to follow in his footsteps as Manchester City announced a record season of attendance in the UAE.

The success of the City Football Academy over the past decade has been growing with 2,300 players developing their skills across the 2021/22 season.

Such is the demand for places, City Football Schools have announced three new locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi in time for the new 2022/23 season to kick off in August.

Foden is one of a number of young players to have come through the academy, and he thinks there will soon be more to follow.

"You look around the first team now and there are definitely more players who have come through the ranks," said the England midfielder.

City Football Schools celebrates record year in UAE. Photo: City Football Schools

"This season alone, we had Cole Palmer, James McAtee and Liam Delap in and around the first team and these guys are just three names that people will know.

“Having eight academy players line up against Wycombe at the start of the season was a big moment and there’s no reason why that can’t become a more regular thing over time.”

Foden believes the academy pathway develops players in the right way - with the ultimate reward a place in the first team.

City Football Schools players celebrates incredible 2021-22 season. Photo: City Football Schools

"I’m sure that’s the aim of the guys who work so hard in the academy," he added.

"I know all the staff are working incredibly hard there to achieve exactly that. I’m sure there will be more and more players breaking through over the coming years from Manchester and across the world.”

The new locations, at Active Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, plus the Hartland