On Sunday 9th October a group of RIASA Academy Players got the chance to train at the Etihad Campus on Manchester City’s first team training ground.
What an opportunity this was!!
The 112 million pound facility includes the stadium which has a capacity to hold 53,400 people making it the fifth largest ground in the Premier League and the Tenth largest in the UK and the world class training facility.
Players were thrilled at the chance to be able to practice their skills and train at Man City’s ground in the UKs biggest indoor arena.
However, the excitement didn’t end there and players were also taken on a tour around the campus and to view the superb first team grass fields where day to day the magic of the beautiful game is honed!
The day was organised by Academy Director Mark Ellis in conjunction with Paz Shan of Streetwork Soccer that has a longstanding association with the club and is an avid supporter of the RIASA programme.
Of the day Mr Shan commented “RIASA students represented the academy in a very professional manner and will definitely be invited back again at some stage” and Academy Director Mark Ellis agreed saying “Hopefully we can make this a regular part of our programme”
Previous RIASA students have also been fortunate to have attended several Champions League games at the Etihad over the years. Two particularly lucky former students even won an all expenses paid trip on Etihad airways to Dubai, including a stay in a 5 star Hotel for 7 nights from entering a half time draw competition!