“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity” - City in the Community BTEC students visit Abu Dhabi | OneFootball

City in the Community (CITC) BTEC students took a trip to Abu Dhabi to develop their coaching skills at local schools.

During their time in Abu Dhabi, they explored the local culture, while also gaining valuable experience, coaching at City Football International Schools by supporting and leading sessions.  Over the two weeks the students visited the sights of Abu Dhabi, including a trip to AI Ain desert where they rode camels, got henna art, watched a fire show and sand boarded.   The students also visited Active AI Maryah, where they worked with children aged between three and eleven leading skill sessions, supporting the coaches and giving feedback to the children.   One student, Lacey, spoke about her time on the trip, saying: “Going on the trip to Abu Dhabi with CITC was an unbelievable experience where I was able to gain work experience out there, whilst also having a great time with my friends I made along the way at my time in college.  “It was a great opportunity for those like me who want to go on to become a coach, as it helped us to understand how different people coach and how the system works in other countries. I was also able to get great advice from the coaches.”  Reflecting on her time in Abu Dhabi, another student, Demi-Lee, added: “It was a brilliant experience for me to see new things, meet the coaches at active Al Maryah who work with CITC and be a part of helping to develop football for the younger generation.   “This opportunity given to me and others on our course is special and something we wouldn’t have been able to experience without CITC and Oldham College.”  Student, Reegan Harrison also added: “Going to Abu Dhabi with CITC was a once in a lifetime opportunity as they provided me with a great experience and opportunity to coach the future generation of footballers.  “The trip helped me developed my coaching skills as the coaching out in Abu Dhabi is very different to at home and I feel has made me become a better coach for the future.   “It has also helped my confidence and persevering skills.”  CITC’s BTEC course is delivered in colleges across Greater Manchester, offering places to both male and female participants without trials.

The programme provides an opportunity for students who are passionate about football and their education, to combine to two as part of this course.

Email Jonathan.Pauly@cityfootball.com for more information.

City in the Community empowers healthier lives through football.

To find out more, visit https://www.mancity.com/city-in-the-community/healthy-futures/city-btec or follow @citcmancity.