The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is set to stage its biggest-ever edition in January 2027, with an expanded tournament experience, increased participation and a stronger presence of girls’ teams as the competition continues to grow year-on-year.
The eighth edition of the three-day tournament will take
place from January 8–10, 2027 at Zayed Sports City, bringing together young
footballers from the UAE and around the world.
Following a record-breaking 2026 tournament, the event will
feature enhanced playing experiences for players and coaches, alongside a
greater focus on celebrating individual performances.
Teams will compete across eight age-group categories. Girls’
competitions will be held at U12, U14 and U16 levels, while boys will compete
in the U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 categories.
The increased participation of girls’ teams reflects the
tournament’s continued expansion and commitment to providing opportunities for
young players.
Alongside team trophies, the 2027 edition will introduce
individual honours recognising standout performances, including Goal of the
Tournament and the Etihad Player of the Tournament.
The awards are designed to highlight some of the
competition’s most memorable moments and impressive players.
The tournament will also offer winning teams the chance to
experience the wider City Football Group network.
All winning teams will be entered into a prize draw for the
opportunity to win a trip to a City Football Group club, where they can train
at a professional facility and watch a City Football Group first team in
action.
Limited places remain available for teams from the UAE, the
wider region and overseas.
The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup has established itself as
the region’s Tournament of Choice and is Manchester City’s largest
international football event globally.
Off the pitch, participating teams and families will have
opportunities to explore Abu Dhabi’s major attractions, including Yas
Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros.
World and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The combination of
competitive football and destination experiences is expected to attract
thousands of players, coaches and families to the UAE capital.
The football festival will once again receive support from
the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Experience Abu Dhabi, helping showcase the
capital’s sporting facilities, culture and tourism offering to visiting teams
and families.
Simon Hewitt, Tournament Director and Director of Football
Operations MENA, said: “The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is the Middle East’s
largest grassroots tournament in the region, providing a platform for boys and
girls to not only showcase their skills at the region’s premier football
facility - Zayed Sports City but also have fun and make new friends in what
will be an amazing festival atmosphere.
“The competition also aligns with Manchester City’s commitment of providing opportunities for young people to play and get active while also helping grow the sport at grassroots level. With places filling up fast, we encourage as many teams as possible to not miss out and be part of the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2027 where players, coaches and parents can create fantastic memories on and off the pitch.” -TradeArabia News Service