Washington Adventist University Athletics Successfully Hosted Manchester City Youth Development Camp
TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) Athletics proudly partnered with Manchester City’s Young Player Development Program to host one of the world’s premier youth soccer development experiences on the university’s campus.
Held July 13–17, the five-day camp welcomed boys and girls born between 2011 and 2018 for an unforgettable week of elite training led by official Manchester City Youth Development coaches. Participants trained daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., experiencing the same player development philosophy that has helped make Manchester City one of the world’s most respected football clubs.
The partnership reflected WAU Athletics’ ongoing commitment to providing world-class athletic opportunities while investing in the growth and development of youth throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Hosting Manchester City on campus further strengthened WAU’s reputation as a destination for excellence in athletics, education, and community engagement.
Throughout the week, campers participated in sessions focused on technical development, tactical awareness, decision-making, and confidence-building in a positive, player-centered environment. Coaches emphasized creativity, teamwork, and a passion for the game while helping each participant grow both on and off the field.
“We were honored to welcome Manchester City to the Washington Adventist University campus,” said Jered Lyons, Director of Athletics at Washington Adventist University. “This partnership provided young athletes throughout our region with access to world-class coaching while highlighting WAU’s commitment to excellence and community engagement. It was exciting to see so many young players develop their skills and create lasting memories throughout the week.”
The camp attracted families from across the DMV who took advantage of the unique opportunity to learn directly from Manchester City’s coaching staff. Players of varying skill levels benefited from the internationally recognized training curriculum while experiencing a fun, challenging, and supportive learning environment.
Washington Adventist University Athletics remains committed to creating impactful partnerships that enrich the lives of student-athletes and the surrounding community. The successful collaboration with Manchester City’s Young Player Development Program represented another milestone in WAU Athletics’ mission to inspire excellence, develop future leaders, and provide transformative opportunities through sport.

