Manchester City announce City Next Gen

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·25 August 2025

Manchester City announce City Next Gen

Manchester City have today announced the launch of their new U21 side. Former City and England midfielder Izzy Christiansen will serve as head coach for the team now known as City Next Gen.

The team has been formed following a restructuring of the former academy side ahead of the PGA U21 2025/26 campaign. The initial phase of the league will be split into northern and southern sections. City Next Gen will compete in the northern section alongside nine other sides. The teams in the division will play each other once over the coming months to establish a league order.

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Following the conclusion of the first phase, the top four teams from the northern and southern sections will form national Group one whilst the remaining teams will form Group 2. Each team will then play each other twice to establish a winner of each division.

City Next Gen will kick off their campaign away to Manchester United. The team will also face Newcastle, Birmingham, Aston Villa, Sheffield, Leicester, Durham, Liverpool and Sunderland in the northern division.

Manchester City Women U21’s during a training session at Manchester City Football Academy on the 8th July 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Declan Lloyd/Manchester City FC)

“A world-class youth development programme”

Director of football Therese Sjogran said “The PGA youth pathway gives us an invaluable opportunity to continue the great work that has already seen several of our Girls’ Academy players come through and have the chance to play first team football. Having our Next-Gen team compete in the PGA Under-21 Women’s League will see us compete against some of the best teams, further strengthen our links in the region and create a sustainable future for Manchester City Women.”

Girls’ Head of Academy Dingley added “We are building a world-class youth development programme here at City. We have signed a talented group of under-21 players who are getting a first-class coaching programme in the phenomenal facilities at City Football Academy. We are also really proud that the players get a best-in-class education programme. Alongside their football girls are studying a range of different A Level and BTEC courses. But what really sets this programme apart is the close relationship between the Next Gen and first team that gives a clear pathway for players to progress into the first team. We are looking forward to starting our PGA U21 League season and testing ourselves against teams from across the country.”