The annual youth football tournament, which began in 2017, is open to boys and girls from around the world of all backgrounds and ability levels, across a wide range of ages This year’s event, which took place on Feb. 18 and 19, attracted more than 1,700 players from 13 countries on four continents, and 6,000 spectators The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup will return in February 2024 and organizers said they aim to build on the success of this year’s tournament. For the latest updates, follow us on Twitter @ArabNewsSport Hosted by the English Premier League side, the event is a youth football tournament open to boys and girls from all around the world, of all ability levels across a range of ages, with the aim of inspiring youngsters to play the game and develop their skills. The annual competition was launched in 2017, though the 2023 event was the first since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has steadily grown in stature. This year’s tournament, which took place on Feb. 18 and 19, attracted more than 1,700 players from 13 countries on four continents, including Manchester City Academy players from the UK, and 6,000 spectators. More than 1000 goals were scored during 400 matches. Off the pitch, the young players and their families were able to enjoy live entertainment, a screening of a Premier League fixture and other fun activities in the “City Village.” Full details of next year’s plans are yet to be announced but the tournament will take place over the weekend of Feb. 17-18, 2024, at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the largest multipurpose sports venue in the UAE. The age categories for teams will be U-8s, U-10s, U-12s, U-14s and U-16s for boys, and U-12s, U-14s and U-16s for girls. “We were delighted to stage this fabulous event (this year) for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, and really overwhelmed by the response we received from the teams, players and families,” said Talal Al-Hashemi, the executive director of the sports development sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council. “We always try to improve on the past events and 2024 will not be an exception. It’s a great opportunity for young footballers to gain experience of playing against top-notch visiting teams.” Simon Hewitt, the tournament director, said: “Following on from the success of the 2023 event, we can’t wait to see so many young footballers with a smile on their faces and having fun at the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup in February 2024. “The tournament returns for another year and will be a great experience for everyone involved, from the players to the families and the coaches. “The tournament is very inclusive, catering to all levels of abilities, with day two ending in a selection of finals, with the City Cup, City Plate, City Trophy and City Shield all up for grabs. One lucky team will be winning an all-expenses-paid, once-in-a-lifetime trip to the City Football Academy in Manchester.” The City Cup-winning teams from each age group are entered into a live draw, with one of them winning the trip.