Can I train in Barcelona to become a professional football player?
Soccer Academies as a Pathway to Professional Soccer
Choosing a good football academy can be the first step towards fulfilling your sporting goals. And if you aspire to become a professional player or goalkeeper, what better place to train than Barcelona, home to one of the world’s most iconic clubs?
In this article, you will discover some of the best football academies in Barcelona, from soccer schools linked to professional clubs, such as the acclaimed Barça Academy, also known as “La Masia”, to high-level independent training centers, such as the Barcelona High Performance Football Academy, which has issued multiple players to prestigious professional clubs all over Europe. In addition, we will guide you on critical aspects to take into account before opting for one.
Types of soccer Academies and their Differences
Before exploring the best football academies in Spain, it is important to understand what they are and the main differences between them. There are two main categories: academies linked to professional clubs and independent private academies.
- The academies associated with soccer clubs are oriented to train talents to feed their professional teams, being accessible only to players with great skills who pass demanding selection tests.
- On the other hand, private academies offer professional training in a structured environment, allowing players to improve their skills without the need to meet the criteria of a specific club. The latter also combine sports development with academic options, facilitating academic training and new professional opportunities.
Tips for choosing a football School
When choosing a soccer academy, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate several aspects to ensure that it will provide you with the best opportunities for your long-term development and success. Here are the most relevant ones:
Training methodology
Make sure it covers physical, tactical and psychological aspects, helping players develop mental toughness, discipline and teamwork.
Facilities
Look for academies with high-quality training camps, well-equipped gyms and specialized medical centers. If it is a residential program, the accommodation should be comfortable and safe.
Academic opportunities and competitions
The academy should offer academic programs that allow you to study while you train, as well as opportunities to participate in national and international tournaments and leagues.
Qualification of trainers
Coaches must have official licenses (such as UEFA or FA) and experience working with high-level teams.
Graduate testimonials
Check how many players have signed professional contracts after passing through the academy and seek references from other players or parents. It is important to be cautious with testimonials, as some can be manipulated, so an objective and unbiased investigation is essential.
Scholarships and financial aid
Find out if the academy offers scholarships that can facilitate access to quality training without worrying about the cost.
- At Ertheo, we recommend that you first opt for a soccer camp before making a large investment in a long-term program. This allows you to get an overview of what a standard high performance soccer program is like, plus it allows you to assess the facilities available, the coaching staff mentoring you, etc.
The Best football Academies in Barcelona
La Masia – FC Barcelona
Since its inauguration in 1979, La Masía, FC Barcelona’s academy, has been a key breeding ground for elite footballers such as Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué. Considered a world reference in the development of young talent, its success is based on a comprehensive approach that combines sports training with personal growth.
In terms of location, it is housed in a modern building of almost 6,000 square meters that offers young soccer players state-of-the-art facilities distributed over five floors. Its spaces include comfortable rooms, study areas, recreational areas and areas dedicated to physical and technical training.
La Masia’s training program focuses on the complete development of soccer players, combining sports training with academic education and the teaching of fundamental values. Players who complete the program have the opportunity to join the various categories of FC Barcelona, including the first team. In addition, the training provided opens doors for them at elite clubs at the international level, reinforcing La Masía’s reputation as a world-class youth academy.
In addition to long-term programs, it offers short-term camps, such as the FC Barcelona Soccer Camp. Aimed at youngsters from 11 to 17 years of age, it allows them to experience what life is like at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper, learning the authentic Barcelona methodology, with much lower barriers to entry compared to the professional training of the FCB Escola.
Turning dreams into goals
Barcelona High Performance football Academy
With more than 40 years of experience, the High Performance Football Academy of Barcelona has established itself as one of the most outstanding institutions in the world of soccer. Throughout its history, it has trained players who have achieved success in elite teams such as David Raya, Óliver Torres and Konrad de la Fuente, who have played for renowned clubs such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea.
Students at benefit from first-class training provided by a technical team composed of elite coaches, nutritionists and analysts, who guarantee the best physical, technical and mental preparation. In addition, the academy has modern sports facilities, with natural and synthetic turf fields, gymnasium, and areas dedicated to tactical analysis. It also offers accommodation options in the academy’s residence with full board and all the comforts of a safe and professional environment.
In addition, its academic offer stands out for the personalised study options it includes, which can be face-to-face or remote, in primary and secondary education in the Spanish, American, British, French or other regulated systems, Spanish classes if required and access to scholarships for university studies in the USA. But if students prefer it, they can continue their studies at a distance learning institution where they were previously studying by means of an agreement. It also offers the possibility of completing official vocational training as a football coach.
In terms of training programs, it is divided into two main categories: high technification (from 6 to 13 years old) for the development of young players, and high performance (from 14 to 21 years old) for more advanced training, replicating the conditions of a professional environment, respectively offering real playing opportunities in national and international competitions for the identification of talent throughout Europe.
Turning dreams into goals
Kaptiva Sports Academy
Located in Barcelona, Kaptiva Sports Academy is a private international academy whose comprehensive approach allows players to develop their skills both on and off the field, paying attention to physical, tactical and mental aspects of soccer.
The academy’s facilities are designed for professional-level training, and players have a specialized support team, such as nutritionists and sports psychologists, to ensure their maximum performance. In addition, Kaptiva offers players the possibility of participating in high-level competitions, such as the renowned MIC tournament, and clinics with top European clubs.
Kaptiva’s programs include annual, semester and summer campus options. Its F.A.S.T. (Football Academy System Training) methodology, based on the Spanish style of play, seeks to provide a complete training that allows players to reach their maximum potential.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the ideal soccer program?
WOSPAC Academy
WOSPAC Academy is a prestigious international soccer boarding school located in Barcelona, created to train young talents between 10 and 24 years old. Since its foundation in 2010, it has trained more than 500 players of various nationalities, combining sports, academic and personal training to enhance the integral development of its participants.
The academy offers personalized and group training, competing alongside prestigious local teams such as UE Cornellà and other prestigious soccer clubs such as FC Barcelona. The programs include between 8 and 10 weekly training sessions in the field and gym, as well as official matches, depending on the player’s license. In the educational field, WOSPAC offers a wide variety of options, such as International Baccalaureate (IB), American, French and Spanish school systems, language courses and UEFA qualifications.
The facilities are designed to offer a high-level experience, with accommodation in a secure, 24-hour supervised residence. Services include personalized diet, nutritional counseling, video analysis, sports psychology, transportation, insurance, and assistance with visas and legal paperwork.
- If you are considering committing to a long-term program at an academy like WOSPAC, you might want to start by trying a football camp in Barcelona before making a final decision. These camps offer an excellent opportunity to experience the style of training and see if it fits your expectations.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the ideal soccer program?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At what age do players usually start at soccer academies?
Players can begin their training at soccer academies as early as age six or seven.
Many academies offer programs for young children, focusing on developing basic skills, coordination and fostering a love of soccer. As they progress, training becomes more structured, with an emphasis on tactical and technical development.
How to enroll my child in a soccer academy?
1. Research and choose the academy that best suits your son or daughter.
2. Gather the required documentation to formalize the enrollment (ID card, medical certificate, photos), and complete the registration form.
3. You may have to take an entrance test beforehand to evaluate their abilities if it is a high performance academy oriented to professional soccer.
4. Submit proof of your experience (videos, letters of recommendation) and pay for the test or academy place reservation if applicable.
5. Follow the academy’s other instructions. Some academies offer visa management services for international students, but if not, this must be done manually.
How can I increase my chances of being chosen in a football Academy?
1. Build your athletic background by participating in academies, clubs and camps.
2. Constantly train and improve your skills in specialized programs.
3. Participate in soccer tryouts and showcase your talent in tournaments and competitions. They are often required for access to academies.
4. Consider soccer camps to gain testimonial experience that will allow you to build a favorable portfolio before submitting applications to academies for long-term programs. They can also give you an overview of the program and experience the academy facilities before deciding on one.
Are there options to continue academic studies at soccer academies?
Yes, high-performance private academies often combine education and soccer in a structured way as part of their educational programming.
Some academies may offer housing options and provide opportunities on professional soccer teams or in the workplace by providing options for high school, vocational training and even facilitating access to college, depending on the academic programs offered.
Is there a possibility of receiving scholarships for students in soccer academies?
Yes, but it depends on the academy and the circumstances of each player. Scholarships usually depend on the player’s talent, potential and financial need, and only a few players are able to receive the maximum amount of financial aid available.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, research the specific requirements of each academy, pay attention to deadlines and carefully prepare the necessary documentation.
Conclusion: Choose your Ideal Academy with Ertheo
The best football academies in Barcelona offer comprehensive training for young talents, combining high performance training, education and personal development. Enrolling is a simple process that includes choosing a suitable program, assessment and registration. These academies can be the springboard to a career in professional soccer, providing key tools to improve your skills and grow in the sporting arena.
At Ertheo, we accompany you throughout the entire process to ensure that you choose the best soccer program adapted to your aspirations and needs.
