Manchester City has announced a landmark youth development collaboration with the Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) and global sportswear partner PUMA. This initiative marks a strategic expansion of the Premier League champions’ football education and grassroots footprint in the United States, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Embedding Elite Methodology in Grassroots Soccer
The collaboration creates a continuous development pathway by integrating Manchester City’s renowned training philosophy directly into the daily operations of Charlotte Soccer Academy. A key component of this partnership involves two full-time Manchester City coaches relocating to Charlotte to work hands-on with CSA’s leadership, coaching staff, and players.
Key elements of the program include:
- Foundation Phase Focus: Technical implementation of Manchester City’s “Play Model†and development methodology within CSA’s U10–U12 Pre-ECNL teams.
- Coaching Education: Beyond player training, City staff will support curriculum alignment, coaching workshops, and the exchange of best practices across CSA’s wider development structure.
- Elite Exposure: Selected CSA players will receive annual opportunities to travel to Manchester for competitive matches and immersive development experiences.
Strategic Importance
For Manchester City, this project is a long-term investment in American youth soccer. As Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director of Football Education at City Football Group, noted: “By embedding Manchester City coaches full-time within a leading grassroots club, we are creating an authentic environment where our coaching methodology can be delivered every day, not just in short bursts.â€
PUMA, which holds long-term partnerships with both entities, plays a central role in connecting these ecosystems. Seamus Deegan, Vice President of Marketing at PUMA North America, emphasized that integrating Manchester City’s coaching approach within CSA elevates the standard of youth development and creates meaningful new opportunities for athletes across the U.S.