From Bondi to the Premier League

Manchester City Football Club sees a huge talent pool in Australia, launching its first Manchester City Football Schools in New South Wales and taking the tally of Manchester City Football Schools locations across the country to five.

The two new Football Schools will be based within St Dominic's College in Kingswood, near Penrith, and Waverley College near Bondi.

Manchester City are the current Premier League Champions, securing the title consecutively over the last three seasons. During the 2022-2023 season, the club completed a historic treble after being crowned champions of Europe for the first time and winning a domestic league and cup double.

Utilising the winning coaching philosophy and methodology, the Manchester City Football Schools will provide authentic and creative football coaching programs year-round for Waverley College and St Dominic’s students.

Commencing in 2024, student expressions of interest for both Football School programs have opened and trials will take place at both locations in the coming weeks. In 2024, St Dominic’s College will offer programs for Year 7 and Year 9 students, and Waverley College for Year 7 students.

Graham Leddie, Principal of Waverley College, said, “The Manchester City Football School programme builds on our evidence-based wellbeing framework, which together with our curriculum, aims to deliver a well-rounded offering for students.  We look forward to welcoming our inaugural Football School team and continuing to support our  students in and outside of the classroom.”

Simon Abernethy, Principal of St Dominic’s College, is also enthusiastic about the new school, “The Manchester City Football School will be aligned with our core philosophies and values and St Dominic’s will leverage an established and globally acclaimed sporting curriculum, providing the  College with unsurpassed access to exceptional resources, opportunities and coaching.

“The partnership with Manchester City and the integration of the Football School within our curriculum will provide unparalleled opportunities for not only our students, but also for our wider community, including a dedicated program tailored for girls, with training programs run beyond school hours.

“We believe that engaging students through sport and academia, within a proven framework, fosters  holistic development, cultivating a strong work ethic, discipline and confidence.

“We’re thrilled to commence this journey with Manchester City with a joint vision of creating  opportunities and pathways for the youth of Western Sydney to discover who they can become,” Abernethy says.

Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director - Football Education & Recreation for City Football Group, added, “We’re looking forward to sharing not only our coaching knowledge with students but also building their knowledge of how high-level coaching can help develop young people. We seek to create well-rounded individuals by combining Manchester City’s approach and methodology to improve students’ football and overall educational achievements”.