With the exponential increase in Abu Dhabi’s expat population in recent years, the city has experienced a veritable boom in participation in youth football, fueling the rapid growth of academies and clubs across the emirate.
Of course, the first team that likely comes to mind when thinking about football in the UAE is Manchester City, due to the club’s direct ties to the ruling government. However, City is far from the only name in town. Several youth academies in the UAE’s capital are emerging as top contenders for the title of best football club for children in Abu Dhabi. Read on to learn more about the academies currently making waves across the city.
Manchester City Football Schools
No article about youth football in Abu Dhabi would be complete without mention of Manchester City Football Schools. Arguably the biggest and most well-known academy in the city, they are also the organisers of the youth league and welcome teams from Under 7 (U7) to Under 18 (U18). With an exceptional level of facilities including ambulances and EMTs – on hand to provide medical care if needed – and a designated safeguarding officer to ensure player welfare at all times, the league is a high-quality stage for Abu Dhabi’s children to showcase their talents.
However, Manchester City are not merely organisers of the league – they also actively participate, offering a comprehensive training programme for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Staffed by a team of fully qualified City Football coaches, the academy delivers a variety of tailored programmes. These include the Development Squad, aimed at players who demonstrate strong work ethic; the Elite Squads, for those showing exceptional potential; and the Talented Player Programme, designed for the most gifted young athletes. This pathway provides clear opportunities for progression within the City Football Group network, as well as connections to professional clubs across the UAE.
Well-financed and with a range of top-class facilities on offer, Manchester City Football Schools also has a comprehensive female programme, known as City Girls, which provides a safe and challenging environment for young ladies to hone their skills.
Abu Dhabi Rangers Soccer Academy
For parents seeking an academy that offers smaller group sizes – ideal for more specialised coaching and individual attention – Abu Dhabi Rangers Soccer Academy stands out from the crowd. With a coach-to-player ratio of 1:13 (compared to ratios as high as 1:25 at some other academies), the focus on tailored development is clear. As an official affiliate of Glasgow Rangers – one of the most successful football clubs in world football having won their domestic league no fewer than 55 times – the academy delivers structured training sessions guided by a methodology developed in close collaboration with its headquarters in Scotland.
Head coach Mark Soutar brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously developed his expertise at the International School of Brussels. He remains actively involved in all aspects of the coaching process and personally leads a group of players to Glasgow each year, offering them the opportunity to compete against other youth teams within the Rangers family. Soutar emphasises that, to him, there is no distinction between the children he coaches – what truly matters is their attitude and application on the pitch. This philosophy reflects the qualities parents should prioritise: a coach who not only offers expert training but also instils values and life lessons through the beautiful game.
Competing in the same league as Manchester City’s youth teams, Abu Dhabi Rangers' recent success is a testament to the quality of coaching on offer. In 2025, their teams secured four league titles, with the U14 squad – under the guidance of coach David Hill – achieving an impressive league and Ramadan Cup double, a feat they can be justifiably proud of. This summer, the U14s will also represent the academy at the prestigious Gothia Cup in Sweden, making them one of only three Abu Dhabi-based teams to participate. The academy also offers longer training sessions than many of its competitors, with U10 players and below receiving 75-minute sessions and those aged 11 and above benefiting from a full 90 minutes of focused coaching.
Juventus Academy Abu Dhabi
As a true global football powerhouse, Juventus Academy Abu Dhabi represents one of the sport’s most iconic brands. With additional branches in Ajman and Dubai, the academy is firmly established across the UAE. Its reputation is further reinforced by multiple accolades, including Best Football Academy and Best Sports Development Project in Football at the UAE Teen & Fitness Awards, as well as Best Football Academy in the Middle East at the SPIA Middle East Awards.
Employing the renowned ‘Juventus Method’, the academy places a strong emphasis on keeping the ball and staying calm – both fundamental aspects of the modern game. Technical development is fostered through dynamic drills, while tactical training enhances players’ understanding of the various ways a match can be won – or lost. The mental side of football is also addressed, with players trained to make effective in-game decisions. In addition, values such as sacrifice, bravery, and teamwork are actively encouraged, helping to shape well-rounded individuals both on and off the pitch.
With a team of highly qualified professionals – carefully selected for both their expertise and enthusiasm – the academy’s coaching staff have been officially approved by Juventus headquarters in Turin. To ensure consistency and quality, a representative from the Italian city is sent to Abu Dhabi for 30 days each year to oversee and coordinate training activities. These measures firmly position Juventus Academy as one of the leading football academies in Abu Dhabi.
Honourable Mentions
The Abu Dhabi youth football scene – while dominated by global clubs and their franchises – is also notable for its grassroots teams. ProActive Soccer School (PASS) and Maestros are just two such teams, who stand out for prospering in a market dominated by household names.
PASS is committed to instilling strong values in its young players through its SPIRIT of PASS methodology, which emphasises key principles such as integrity and respect. The academy offers a wide range of programmes across various age groups, including a dedicated Girls Only football programme. Additionally, it features a highly appealing Futsal Programme – ideal for players who thrive in a more fluid, less structured football environment.
Maestros is a standout academy, distinguished by its use of cutting-edge training methods and state-of-the-art facilities to nurture and develop young talent. Designed to support players of all ability levels, the programme aims to help each individual realise their full potential and grow every aspect of their game.
Founded in 2022 by coaches Joshua Stanford and Luke Appleton, Maestros has exploded in popularity over the past few years due to the passion of its founders, who have provided youngsters with the skills and confidence so integral to the game. Their training programmes aren’t just designed to improve football skills, but also to develop mental toughness and resilience, which will undoubtedly help in all aspects of life.
As a global city, Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of options when it comes to youth football academies. Whether you're drawn to the prestige and world-class facilities associated with Manchester City, the tradition and international opportunities offered by Glasgow Rangers, the proven methodology of Juventus, or the more grassroots approach of academies like PASS and Maestros, there is something to suit every family’s preferences.
