Melbourne City FC will embark on a week-long post-season tour in Abu Dhabi this month, where they will play Manchester City Women’s Football Club in a friendly match.
The City Football Group sister clubs will face each other in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy Challenge on Wednesday 17 February at the New York University Abu Dhabi Campus.
The fixture will be broadcast live on both club’s online channels as well as well as Abu Dhabi Sports 1giving fans across the globe the chance to see the two women’s teams in action.
Head Coach Joe Montemurro will utilise the post-season training camp to introduce the Club’s developing players to additional professional opportunities, with the side training in an elite environment and playing a high-calibre opponent.
A squad of 13 players, who were involved in Melbourne City’s Premiership-Championship double in 2015/16 will depart on Friday, travelling with the Club’s Principal Partner, Etihad Airways, accompanied by full-time support staff from Melbourne’s City Football Academy. The team will be joined by guest train-on players Keelin Winters and Rachel Corsie, taking the total squad to 15 players for the tour.
Staff and players will work directly with their colleagues from Manchester, with both sister clubs training alongside each other at the New York University Abu Dhabi Campus.
“This tour represents an extension of the work we have been able to establish, execute and achieve in our inaugural season in Melbourne and will provide us with insights into Manchester City Women’s FC,” Montemurro said.
“To be able to give our players access to opportunities which will further them as footballers is another positive step in the evolution of our own women’s team in Melbourne.”
Traveling Melbourne City FC Squad (15 players): Brianna Davey (GK), Amy Jackson, Alexandra Chidiac, Beattie Goad, Olivia Ellis, Melina Ayres, Rebekah Stott, Anisa Guarjardo, Marianna Tabain, Trudy Burke, Hannah Brewer, Keelin Winters (guest), Tessa Sernio, Tyla Jay Vlajnic, Rachel Corsie (guest)
