Manchester City’s global presence is continuing to spread after the club announced a new international partnership with South Africa’s Black Aces FC.
The three-year partnership, which sees the Black Aces become City’s ‘Official Regional School of Football Partner’, will teach South African youngsters City’s football philosophies and also further their education.
And Senegal-born Patrick Vieira, head of the Blues’ Elite Development Squad, said the club were honoured to be partnering a club in such a passionate sporting nation.
“It’s a privilege for Manchester City to be part of South Arica’s youth football development at a time when the country is fast becoming a force in world football,” he said in a statement on the Blues’ website.
“South Africa’s love of football was clear for the world to see during both the World Cup, and most recently the Cup of Nations.
“The national pride shown for hosting both tournaments is a testament to how the country and people embrace the sport.
“Through shared learning, both clubs’ can work together in order to provide children with a holistic football experience that places equal importance on football and education.”
City already boast African Player of the Year Yaya Toure among their ranks and, while big brother Kolo is leaving, fellow Ivorian midfielder Abdul Razak too.
The new partnership will now see Black Aces Academy teams heading to Manchester to showcase their talents, while qualified coaches will be teaching youngsters in South Africa.
Black Aces Academy coaches will be able to shadow their City counterparts too, and the Blues will deliver a City Coach Education Program.
Mario and George Morfou, Black Aces’ owners and joint-chairmen, said: “On behalf of Black Aces Football Club, we are proud to announce that we have entered into a partnership with Manchester City Football Club.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all our players to get a feel of what top-class football is all about as well as what is expected of a professional footballer.”
The Blues hope the partnership will leave a lasting legacy in South Africa, with the skills and knowledge taught being passed on to local communities.
Coaching programs kick off in July when City head to Durban as part of their globe-trotting pre-season tour.
Image courtesy of FATV, via YouTube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
