Football School Programme
All abilities.
One world-class facility.
For children aged 6–16.
Boys and girls can train, develop and have fun where the highest quality footballers are made, at the City Football Academy.
Players will focus on technical development, decision making, confidence and creativity.
Fun, skills and a long term love of the game start here.
Football School Summer
Don't miss out on your Summer Programme. Training and competitive games. 6 weeks from July 13th for boys and girls .
Football School - what we offer
Year round programme split in 4 courses: Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer.
All sessions delivered by established Manchester City Coaches, following the same philosophy used to develop City’s own players, delivered in a fun, positive and safe learning environment.
Players experience a range of training and fixtures at the City Football Academy and will also have the opportunity to experience our other City Football Group clubs in a range of trips and tours.
Football School - what our coaches deliver
Courses have been designed to support the development of all players and will focus on:
Learning the fundamentals of attacking play and defending.
Developing confidence and creativity in 1v1 situations.
Through a series of mini-games (3v3s, 4v4s…) improving understanding of the roles of players and the principles of formations and positions, preparing for 11v11 in future years.
Have fun, learning how to make good decisions in realistic game situations, and what it means to work as a team and support each other.
SUMMER PROGRAMME
An exclusive opportunity for our players to continue training during summer while developing through match-based scenarios and weekly fixtures.
Players will access their current weekly sessions plus additional game festivals each week during the course
Course begins week commencing 13th July 2026, running for 6 weeks:
SUMMER PROGRAMME CONTENT
The Football School Summer Games Programme is designed to enhance player development through realistic game moments:
Focuses on performance factors that support effective decision-making in match-like scenarios
Encourages creativity, confidence, and purposeful actions
Emphasises the importance of the person within the team environment
TERM FOCUS
Use of constraints-based coaching to develop awareness, adaptability, and problem-solving
Understand how Manchester City Men’s and Women’s First Team players apply key skills and how this translates to development during weekly matchdays
Explore individual and group challenges to positively influence key moments in the game
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
The 6-week programme starts the week of 13th July 2026, with 2 weekly sessions (1 training and 1 game). Every Saturday is Game day providing opportunities to reinforce learning in a competitive setting.
Age Group | Date of Birth | Session 1 - Skills | Session 2 - Team |
|---|---|---|---|
Under 8 | 01/09/17 – 31/08/19 | Monday: | Saturday: |
Under 10 | 01/09/15 – 31/08/17 | Wednesday: | Saturday: |
Under 12 | 01/09/13 – 31/08/15 | Tuesday: | Saturday: |
Under 14 | 01/09/11 – 31/08/13 | Thursday: | Saturday: |
Under 16 | 01/09/09 – 31/08/11 | Thursday: | Saturday: |
City Football Academy
Training sessions are delivered at the City Football Academy, home to Manchester City’s first team, Women’s team and Boys and Girls Academy teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the courses aimed at?
Courses are aimed at players aged 6-16 years old, boys and girls, who enjoy playing football and are looking to improve their skills and game understanding.
All players should be physically able to participate in age-appropriate practical football training sessions.
For players with disabilities there are a number of initiatives delivered through City In The Community (CITC) where specialist staff will oversee more appropriate session content. Please visit https://www.mancity.com/community
How much is the course?
Course prices are as follows:
Course 1: Autumn – 12 weeks / 24 training sessions (15th September to 14th December 2025) - £510
Course 2: Winter – 12 weeks / 24 training sessions (5th January to 4th April 2026) - £510
Course 3: Spring – 11 weeks / 22 training sessions (20th April to 5th July 2026) - £470
There is an additional fee of £70 for training kit, payable on registration for players’ first course (including Shirt, Shorts, 2x Pairs of Socks, Rain jacket and Tracksuit bottoms).
Kit purchase is optional for players who have attended a previous Young Player Development or Holiday Program at the City Football Academy this season.
How much time prior to the session should my child arrive?
Players should arrive already changed in their kit approximately 15 minutes before the start of each scheduled session.
How to get to CFA and where to park?
The address is:
City Football Academy, West Gate, Alan Turing Way, Manchester, M11 4TQ
Parking is available at West Gate car park.
Google Map link can be view here.
How will my child's progress be tracked?
All players will receive an evaluation at the end of each course detailing their progress and development areas.
The courses will focus on supporting the development of all players, regardless of ability, so that each child enjoys a positive learning experience.
For any player showing the potential to be selected to join other areas of the youth development sections of Manchester City (including Junior Academy, City Select, Regional Talent Club and Academy teams) this will be done in line with the Club and FA guidelines relating to scouting young players.
What footwear should my child have?
All sessions will be delivered on artificial pitches.
As such, players should wear the appropriate footwear (boots for artificial/firm ground or turf trainers – no screw-in studs or running shoes).
What size kit should I order for my child?
Each player will receive a kit pack as part of their course enrolment, charged at £70 per child. Kit sizes can be viewed here.
Purchase of kit is only required upon registering for the first time.
What happens if my child misses a session?
For any sessions missed due to short-term illness, injury or other, each player will be given access to one additional make-up session per course (days/times TBC).
Who coaches the sessions?
Each coaching session is delivered by UEFA qualified Manchester City coaches.
All coaches are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service background checked), hold ‘First Aid in Football’ qualifications and hold the FA Safeguarding Children award (trained to promote best practice to protect young people).
How are courses grouped?
Players will be grouped by ability within age groups where possible to ensure maximum participation, positive learning opportunities and a fun experience for all.
Safeguarding information
Manchester City Football Club strives to ensure that everyone in our care or attending our activities feel safe and free from risk of harm. The Club takes its safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and we are committed to creating a safe and positive environment for everyone.
View our Safeguarding Policy.