Manchester City goalkeeping great Joe Hart visited the United Arab Emirates this week for fan events and coaching activities linked to the club’s City Football Schools (CFS), according to a statement from Manchester City Football Club.
Hart, who is described as having won 75 England caps during his career, met supporters and younger aspiring players during stops in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The club said he visited the PUMA Manchester City Stores at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi and at Dubai Mall, where he posed for photographs and signed gloves for aspiring goalkeepers.
In Abu Dhabi, Manchester City said Hart took part in a CFS coaching session at Masdar City. The programme included hands-on goalkeeper training, with players taking turns attempting to score past Hart before moving on to further drills and tips aimed at the youngsters.
Manchester City noted that Hart spent 12 years with the club and described the visit as part of CFS activities in the UAE. The club also said Hart was attending while the schools programme marked its 15th year in the country.
Hart reflects on returning to City’s UAE work
In comments provided by the club, Hart said he had “been lucky enough to visit the UAE several times” and described the return as “brilliant.” He also referenced memories of City training camps in Abu Dhabi.
Hart, who retired from professional football in 2024 and now works as a pundit, said he enjoyed seeing how City Football Schools operates. He added that visiting CFS took him back to being that age and described the sessions as both enjoyable and improved through coaching development.
The statement also quoted Hart saying training with City’s methods from an early age helps children “enjoy the game and reach their full potential,” and that it was “great to share a little of what I’ve learned.”
Hart said the visit also included time with fans at the Manchester City Stores, calling it “amazing to see the passion they have for the club.”
Manchester City and the Etihad Campus
Manchester City’s announcement included background on the club, stating that it was originally founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton and became Manchester City FC in 1894. The club said it is based across the Etihad Campus, with the 61,000-capacity Etihad Stadium, the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium and City Football Academy.
The club also said it is developing Medlock Square, described as a fan-focused entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Campus, and said it is committed to operating in a sustainable and socially responsible manner with equality, diversity and inclusion embedded into its decision-making and practices.