City launch ‘Next Gen’ Women’s Under-21s side | OneFootball

Manchester City are delighted to announce the launch of our Women’s Next Gen Under-21s side ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

A restructuring of our previous Academy side, the team will be led by former City and England midfielder Izzy Christiansen, who’d previously worked as the assistant coach for our Under-16s side.

Our Next Gen will compete in the Women’s Professional Girls Academy (PGA) U21 League as part of a 10-team Northern division, with our opening fixture coming against Manchester United on Wednesday 27 August.

Fixtures will take place between August and December and, should City finish in the top four, they’ll then face counterparts from the Southern division in the new year.

It’s an exciting new era for our Girls’ Academy structure, following the appointment of Hannah Dingley as Girls’ Academy Director in May 2025.

City had the youngest average age squad across the 2024/25 campaign in the Barclays Women’s Super League, with three youth products making their senior debuts in the process.

WATCH: City Next Gen announcement

And following the relaunch of our Under-21s, young talent at City will continue to be provided with first class academy coaching and senior opportunities.

Manchester City’s Girls’ Academy Director Hannah Dingley said: “We are building a world-class youth development programme here at City.  “We have signed a talented group of under-21 players who are getting a first class coaching programme in the phenomenal facilities at the City Football Academy. We are also really proud that the players get a best in class education programme alongside their football, with girls studying a range of different A-Level and BTEC courses.   “But what really sets this programme apart is the close relationship between the Next Gen and first-team that gives a clear pathway for players to progress into the first team.

“We are looking forward to starting our PGA U21 league season and testing ourselves against teams from across the country.”

Manchester City Women Director of Football, Therese Sjogran, said: “The PGA youth pathway gives us an invaluable opportunity to continue the great work that has already seen several of our Girls’ Academy players come through and have the chance to play first team football.

“Having our Next-Gen team compete in the PGA Under-21 Women’s League will see us compete against some of the best teams, further strengthen our links in the region and create a sustainable future for Manchester City Women.”