Under-16 Academy squad take a break from action in Abu Dhabi to get involved with the local community
It has been an action-packed week for the visiting Manchester United Under-16 Academy squad in Abu Dhabi, but the players have still found time to meet up with hundreds of youngsters in the UAE capital.
In between Monday night’s friendly against Al Wahda and tonight’s (Wednesday) match against Al Ain, the squad paid a visit to the Dome@Rawdhat, home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, where more than 300 youngsters are involved in the latest MUSS football programme.
They also visited Al Rabeeh School in Abu Dhabi to take part in an on-field training session with pupils, and scored a big success on both occasions.
The majority of the 16-strong squad, all of whom live within close proximity of Manchester United’s famous Carrington training ground, have been with the Academy since the age of eight.
The coaching techniques used at the renowned Manchester United Academy form the basis for the MUSS courses in Abu Dhabi, which are designed not only to develop football talent, but also to build social skills applicable both on and off the field, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
“Most of the Academy players have had experience participating in tournaments around the world, but the visit to Abu Dhabi was a fantastic opportunity for them, both from a football and an education perspective,” said Tommy Martin, head coach of the Under-16 Academy team.
Also accompanying the squad in Abu Dhabi is Clayton Blackmore, the former Manchester United player and Welsh International, now an assistant Academy coach, and Danny Keogh, who joined the club as a 14-year-old in 1979 and continued as a young professional until 1984, also an assistant coach.
The squad have also had time to take in the sights of the UAE, enjoying a tour around the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and a desert safari on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.
