It’s not everyday you see professional footballers watching your university games but that was certainly the case for a group of aspiring female students in Abu Dhabi last week.

New York University Abu Dhabi hosted the latest round of their football competition, welcoming teams from Abu Dhabi Women’s College, Zayed, Sorbonne, Abu Dhabi and United Arab Emirates universities.

Among the spectators were Melbourne City and Manchester City players, who took time out from their schedule during their pre-season training camp in the capital, to show their support to the girls.

The players, including Man City and England captain Steph Houghton, her team-mate Jill Scott, Melbourne defender Rebekah Stott and goalkeeper Brianna Davey, also did the draw for the semi-finals of the Abu Dhabi Inter-University league, as well as holding a question-and-answer and an autograph session.

After interacting with the professionals, the girls were left in awe and inspired.

“As a football player for Zayed University and the Abu Dhabi Country Club, it feels amazing to see such female football athletes who have played in top women’s leagues and some who have made it to the World Cup,” said Amal Aal Rebeea. “This has motivated me to believe in myself that one day I can reach and accomplish what they have done.

“I believe nothing is impossible and dreams do come true. This experience was a dream for me. This experience makes me want to work harder towards my goal and reach my highest potential in football,” added the 25-year-old.

Suraiya Yahia, 19, of Abu Dhabi University New York, added: “Meeting accomplished athletes is always a pleasure. However, what inspired me the most about the Man City and Melbourne City was the level of expertise and professionalism they have reached in such a short amount of time.

“Both clubs are, in fact, very young sides compared to their male counterparts, which makes me feel very hopeful and optimistic about my sporting future at New York University Abu Dhabi.”

For her team-mate Beatrice Ionascu, 22, she was encouraged by Houghton’s words of wisdom.

“I particularly liked what Manchester City’s captain Steph Houghton said. And that was to always listen to our team-mates and coaches and always work hard,” she said.

“This is exactly what our coaches have been training us to do.”