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© MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN’S CAPTAIN STEPH HOUGHTON SEES BRIGHT FUTURE FOR GIRLS FOOTBALL IN UAE
Manchester City Women’s Captain Steph Houghton believes the women’s game in the UAE will continue to grow from strength to strength, with the defender making the trip to Abu Dhabi in recent weeks to see the impressive standard of the girls’ game at local grassroots level. Houghton, who recently signed a one-year extension with City, returned to Abu Dhabi for the first time since 2015, with the club’s all-time women’s appearance leader seeing the big difference in the global level of the women's game being reflected in the UAE.
“It’s my first time back in Abu Dhabi since our first training sessions, and the programme has really grown so much on the girls’ side – there were only a few girls back then and now we have full squads taking part and training regularly. To see so many girls training here in Abu Dhabi is amazing to see, and there’s such a love for football here which is brilliant,” said Houghton.
“The difference in standard is massive. The level of play has really improved, and that’s down to the coaching that the players are receiving, including from City Football Schools in the region.”
As a standout for Manchester City Women’s success in her decade with the club, Houghton sees the desire from young players is stronger than ever, with more opportunities coming to the girls’ game in recent years.
She said: “There's been a lot of girls who've really impressed me. They've got a great opportunity to continue to grow with some of the best coaches in the region so that's what I'm delighted to see.” Manchester City FC was initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton and officially became Manchester City FC in 1894. Situated on the wider Etihad Campus, the Club’s footprint includes the 53,500 capacity Etihad Stadium, the 7,000 capacity Joie Stadium and City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art performance, training and youth development facility home to the Club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams. Ranked as the Most Valuable Football Club Brand in the world by Brand Finance, Manchester City FC is currently developing a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Campus. The Club is committed to operating in a sustainable and socially responsible manner and ensures that equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded into its decision-making processes, culture and practices. For more information, please visit www.mancity.com
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