http://www.kickoff.com/news/34806/mpuma ... ester-city
Mpumalanga Black Aces have announced an International partnership with Manchester City.
The deal, which is the first of its kind for City, will see Aces become the former English champions' ‘Official Regional School of Football Partner'.
As part of the three-year partnership, City will deliver coaching programmes to local children, teaching them the same techniques and philosophies used by the Citizens.
In addition to local children learning how to play the ‘City way', the Aces Academy coaches will also benefit from the delivery of a City Coach Education Programme, and will have the opportunity to ‘shadow' their coaches in South Africa.
They will also travel to Manchester, where their academy will play games against the City's youth academy sides.
The hope is that through shared learning, Aces coaches will be empowered to transfer their newly-obtained skills and knowledge back into their local communities, thus leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
The football programmes will offer children the chance to improve and develop their football and educational skills in a fun and challenging environment.
Patrick Vieira, Head of City's Elite Development Squad, who recently announced the South African leg of their upcoming pre-season tour, says: “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.
“It's a privilege for Manchester City to be part of South Arica's youth football development by passing on our expertise to the Black Aces coaches, at a time when the country is fast becoming a force in world football.
“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.”
Aces club owners and joint-chairmen, Mario Morfou and George Morfou, welcomed the partnership and were delighted with their association with Manchester City.
“The partnership is incorporated within youth development through the Manchester City School of Football. We believe that this partnership will benefit our players in the academy and will also attract top-class young talent throughout the country.
The coaching programmes will begin in July this year when City will be based in Durban as part of their summer pre-season training camp
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