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In 2026, the Manchester City Football School continues to set the gold standard for youth development. Training at the elite City Football Academy (CFA)—the same world-class campus used by the Men’s and Women’s first teams—participants get an unparalleled look into the life of a professional at the home of the Premier League champions.
Whether you’re aiming for a professional trial or a summer of intensive improvement, here is the updated guide for the 2026 season.
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1. Manchester City Residential Programs: Summer 2026
The official residential programs are held during the summer months (June to August) and are designed for boys and girls aged 9–17.
Development Program (Ages 9–13): Focuses on fundamental skills and “The City Way” of play.
Performance Program (Ages 14–17): A high-intensity course for intermediate to advanced players, mirroring the training of the City Academy.
Next Gen: The Business of Football (Ages 14–17): A newly expanded program for 2026 launched by the Manchester City Sports Business School. This 13-day residential course explores marketing, strategy, and leadership in the sports industry alongside field sessions.
| Program Type | Duration | 2026 Start Dates | Approx. Fee |
| Language + Football | 1 or 2 Weeks | June 28 – Aug 7 | £2,199 / £4,499 |
| Intensive Performance | 1 Week | June 28 – Aug 7 | £2,299 |
| Sports Business (Next Gen) | 2 Weeks | July 12 – Aug 7 | £4,999 |
2. How the Football School Works
The 2026 curriculum is designed by Manchester City coaches to be holistic.
On the Pitch: Two sessions daily covering ball mastery, tactical awareness, and match-play scenarios.
Off the Pitch: Seminars on Nutrition & Hydration, Sports Psychology, and Strength & Conditioning.
English Language: For international students, 15 hours of soccer-themed English lessons per week focus on communication and leadership.
3. Pathways to the Academy & Scholarships
While the Football School is a commercial program, it is one of the most visible “open doors” to the City Football Academy (CFA).
Scouting Presence: Man City scouts and Academy coaches regularly observe the Football School sessions. Exceptional players may be invited to trial at City’s Development Centres.
Elite Education Partnerships: For long-term residency, Manchester City partners with schools like Rossall School to offer an Elite Football Program. This allows students aged 11–19 to follow a professional Academy program for a full school year while studying for GCSEs, A-Levels, or the IB.
Financial Aid: Scholarship spots for the summer camp itself are rare and usually handled through community outreach or specific partner drafting. However, merit-based scholarships for the Full-Year Academy Program are available for elite talents identified by the scouting network.
4. Registration & Contact Details
Registration for Summer 2026 is currently open, with “Early Bird” windows closing in early spring.
Official Booking Portal: mancity.com/football-school
Academy Inquiries: For questions regarding trials or the elite youth sector, use the Official Contact Form.
Mailing Address: > City Football Academy,
Etihad Campus,
400 Ashton New Rd,
Manchester, M11 4TQ
Key Takeaways for 2026 Success
Digital Profile: In 2026, scouts value consistent performance data. Ensure you have a high-quality video reel and up-to-date player statistics ready for any application.
Multimodal Skills: The club is looking for “intelligent” players. Success in the Sports Business or English Language modules shows the mental maturity that City coaches value.
Local Hubs: If you cannot travel to Manchester, check for official City Football Schools in Jakarta, New York, or Australia for local trial opportunities.
