Student Profile: Leandro, Year 8

Student Profile: Leandro, Year 8 Our student profile this week is Leandro from Year 8. Our student profile this week is Leandro from Year 8. Leandro went to Manchester over the summer with Manchester City Soccer Academy, and has written an account of his experience.

Since I arrived in Abu Dhabi, I have played at Manchester City Soccer Club.  Prior to the summer break, I was selected along with18 other players coming from the Abu Dhabi local club league, to spend an entire week in Manchester with the Manchester City Soccer Academy. It was such a privilege and surprise!
 
This trip was an amazing experience. Not everyone can get such a chance and I am so thankful for that. Manchester’s academy was massive and all the pitches were cut perfectly and they also had an amazing indoor football pitch which connects to another area with more pitches and buildings. 
 
For me, the training was on a higher level which means that the speed was faster, meaning it was more exhausting. I didn’t just spend my time at the academy playing soccer but also went to the football museum. There, I was taught about the history of the club but it wasn’t just a lesson, we had the opportunity to do different football activities linked to the club’s history.
 
As well as training and visiting museums, we had two games, one against U15 Stockport City were we tied 4-4. The second was against the U15 Manchester Academy Team, we lost 4-2. I have to say that both teams were really physically demanding and it was challenging to play.
 
On the last day we went to the Etihad Stadium watching Man City against Brighton, MC won 4-0 and I nearly got Phil Foden’s shirt!
 
This trip was an amazing experience and I have to say that this will be an unforgettable experience and I’m aware that I’m really lucky to have got this opportunity.

My suggestion to all of you - work hard, keep on trying and you never know what could happen … Dream your dreams!
 
Leandro, Year 8

 

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