Abu Dhabi: The first batch of 50 youngsters went through their paces with Manchester City stars Sylvihno and Michael Johnson as the inaugural Etihad Airways Manchester City FC Soccer Schools event kicked off yesterday at the Emirates Palace Hotel grounds.
City players Sylvinho and Michael Johnson, along with club coaches, had a morning session with the mix of Emirati and international school children on the opening day of the four-day initiative.
The event, which is being held at Al Ain Sports Club, will end on Thursday.
Speaking to Gulf News during the training session, Johnson, who has been sidelined with an injury said that everyone at the club was excited over the prospects of a fourth place finish, which will clinch them a berth in the Champions League.
The 22-year-old, who has been dogged by injuries, said: "It is exciting to be sharing the experience of some of the world's top players. At the moment the team is playing great and we are looking forward to the remaining games in the [English] Premiership."
Sidelined
An Under-19 and Under-21 international with England, Johnson has already impressed in his appearances for City but a knee in jury during training in December sidelined the midfielder.
A hamstring injury kept him out of action in 2006 while an abdominal injury forced him out in 2008.
"I don't think it [injury] follows me. I don't think it will be the same in future. I am training now and we are aiming for the start of next season, maybe September," Johnson said.
"I can't wait to get back to action," he said, before lauding Carlos Tevez who has been in outstanding form for City and who he said was his role model in the City squad.
"He [Tevez] is in great form," Johnson said.
"I would like to have the toughness of Steven Gerard, the passing of Ces Fabregas and there are so many players to model yourself on as a midfielder," he added.
Is this an effective tactic to bring more children to the game? How else can top Premiership clubs encourage youngsters?
