The Etihad Airways Football Community Week, in association with Manchester City Football Club, returns to Abu Dhabi and Dubai next week.

Hundreds of youngsters from across the UAE will receive top training tips from the English Premier League’s coaches led by football legend Patrick Vieira.

Vieira, who joined Manchester City in 2010, made 28 appearances for the Blues and played a pivotal role in City winning the FA Cup in 2011. Upon retiring at the end of last season, he took his new role as Football Development Executive. More than 500 children, aged between seven and 14, have been selected from local and international schools to participate in the event.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to host the Etihad Airways Football Community Week for the third year running and are pleased to welcome the playing and coaching staff back to Abu Dhabi to provide the community with this unique opportunity.

“Patrick Vieira is one of the leading members of Manchester City’s football club and having him here will be an inspiration to the participating young children and a great chance for them to meet him and learn how to become future Manchester City stars.

“Etihad has a fantastic track record for hosting community sporting events in the UAE and we are thrilled to launch the Etihad Airways Football Community Week which builds upon previous editions of the Etihad Soccer Schools.”

Ian Cafferky, Chief Brand & Commercial Officer for Manchester City Football Club, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Abu Dhabi and help promote grass roots football in the region on behalf of Etihad Airways.

“Manchester City Football Club is honoured to be able to share its knowledge, skills and coaching techniques to help develop Football in Abu Dhabi, and support the UAE’s growing reputation in world sport.”

The Etihad Airways Football Community Week will take place at Zayed Sports City from Monday 5 to Tuesday 6 March. The Manchester City coaches will then head to Dubai on Wednesday 7 March, before returning to Abu Dhabi on Thursday 8 March.

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