Are you passionate about soccer and aspire to become a professional? Training at a good football academy in Spain can be the first crucial step in your career. Madrid, as one of the most important centers of European soccer, is home to some of the most prestigious academies that will offer you the tools you need to develop your talent and get closer to your dream of playing in a professional league.
In this guide, you will discover how soccer academies in the Spanish capital can help you improve your level of play, what aspects you should consider before making a decision and which are the best options for you. From comprehensive training programs to balance studies with training, to visibility opportunities with scouts from renowned clubs, you will learn about the academies that will allow you to stand out in the world of soccer.
Benefits of a Long-Term Academy Football Program
In recent years, many soccer academies have popped up, but not all of them have credible track records and quality services. Here are some of the considerations you should take into account when choosing a good soccer program to improve your performance and boost your soccer career:
1. Training Method
Each academy has its own training approach, so it is important to know if its methodology matches the player’s values and objectives. High-performance academies integrate physical, tactical and psychological training, employing well-known techniques used in professional environments. A holistic approach that promotes both physical and mental development is essential to a player’s progress.
2. Trainers in the Program
The coaching staff is the foundation of a successful academy. Coaches must have official licenses, such as UEFA or FA (Football Association), to ensure that they have the necessary level of preparation. In addition, it is important that they have experience in professional teams and can adapt to the individual needs of the players.
3. Infrastructure and Facilities
Facilities play a vital role in the development of soccer players. It is important that the academy has quality training fields, well-equipped gyms, indoor courts, and specialized medical centers. In addition, it should have adequate infrastructure to prevent and treat injuries. Accommodation facilities must be comfortable and safe if the player is to reside on campus.
The quality of the facilities is crucial to the development of the players. It is necessary for the academy to have first-class training fields, complete gyms, indoor courts and specialized medical centers. In addition, it must have adequate infrastructure for injury prevention and treatment.
4. Testimonials of Success
Online testimonials may not always be reliable, so it is important to research how many players have signed professional contracts thanks to the training received.
At Ertheo, we understand the goals of aspiring professional soccer players and therefore recommend that if you are interested in enrolling in an academy, that you participate in a football tryout or attend a short term football camp in Spain before committing to a long term program. This way, you will be able to evaluate the quality of the training and the real opportunities offered by the academy.
5. Academic Programs
The academy should offer real competitive opportunities, such as tournaments and leagues, to test players’ skills and increase their visibility. In addition, it must have a network of contacts with professional clubs that guarantees opportunities to access a professional career in soccer. It is essential that it also offers academic programs that allow players to continue their education while training.
6. Additional Services and other considerations
Additional services, such as healthy meals, medical care and psychological support, and the possibility of opting for accommodation in a safe and comfortable environment are also essential to the player’s overall well-being.
The Best football Academies in Madrid
La Fábrica – Real Madrid (Real Madrid Youth Academy)
Real Madrid’s “La Fábrica” is one of the most prestigious institutions in the training of young soccer players worldwide. Founded in the 1950s, it is located in Ciudad Real Madrid, in Valdebebas.
It has state-of-the-art facilities , including multiple training fields, gyms equipped with cutting-edge equipment, and recovery areas for players. It also has spaces for the academic training and personal development of young talents. The technical team at “La Fábrica” is made up of highly qualified coaches, many of whom have a background as former players of the club itself, which brings a unique vision to its teaching methodology.
As for the long-term program, its educational approach focuses on technical, tactical and physical development, in addition to promoting core values such as discipline, teamwork and a winning mentality. The academy’s players have the opportunity to participate in both national and international competitions, facing other elite teams, and has been responsible for molding some of soccer’s most emblematic players, including legendary figures such as Emilio Butragueño and José Antonio Reyes López.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the best soccer program for your needs?
Atletico de Madrid Academy
The Atlético de Madrid Academy has positioned itself as one of the best in the training of young soccer players, combining a demanding training methodology. Atlético de Madrid’s youth academy has been a platform for great figures in professional soccer. A clear example is Koke Resurrección, one of the club’s most iconic and respected players.
- However, the selection process can be very competitive for this academy. If you would like to experience what it’s like to train with the club’s official coaches, we recommend you book a place for the next Atlético de Madrid Soccer Camp.
As for Atlético del Madrid’s facilities, they stand out for being equipped with natural and artificial turf fields, state-of-the-art gymnasiums and areas for recovery and performance analysis. This professional environment provides players with all the necessary tools to reach their maximum competitive level.
Finally, its programs are designed to foster the integral development of its players. Among them are the “International Camps”, which give boys and girls from all over the world the opportunity to participate in training sessions led by Academy professionals, following the club’s training plans.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the best soccer program for your needs?
Spain Football Academy (SFA)
Located in Villaviciosa de Odón, SFA is widely recognized as one of the leading soccer academies in the region. With programs designed for youth and senior players, it offers comprehensive training for players aged 16 and older, including personalized sessions, ongoing digital analysis to assess performance and build a professional portfolio, and live streamed matches, increasing opportunities to be seen by scouts and agents.
Training sessions are held three to four times a week on a state-of-the-art turf field. Players are under the supervision of highly qualified UEFA Pro licensed coaches, who ensure a comprehensive approach to the technical, tactical and mental development of each athlete. In addition, the players receive support in federation procedures before the Real Federación de Fútbol de Madrid (RFFM) and have medical insurance managed by the Clínica de La Mutualidad de Futbolistas and accommodation options in its facilities, which incorporate access to gymnasium, food, etc.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the best soccer program for your needs?
Madrid City Football Academy
Since its founding in 2023, Madrid City Football Academy has earned a prominent place among the country’s most prestigious soccer academies. Located in the vibrant Spanish capital, the academy offers young people between the ages of 15 and 25 the chance to train and compete in a high-level environment.
The academy’s programs, designed by an experienced technical team, offer comprehensive training covering tactical, technical, physical and psychological aspects. During their stay, players train up to eight times a week and receive personalized plans to enhance their development.
The Valdelasfuentes sports center, located in the north of Madrid, houses the academy’s activities. Its modern facilities include world-class soccer fields, gymnasium, swimming pools and other comprehensive services. It also provides players with sporting and academic opportunities and competition, either in semi-professional leagues or in friendly matches against first division teams.
If you want to join an academy like Madrid City FC, a good way to improve your portfolio and gain valuable experience before you undergo a soccer tryout, if applicable, is to opt for a summer soccer camp in Spain, so you can experience the atmosphere on location and what a soccer program is like.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the best soccer program for your needs?
Carabanchel Soccer School
Since its foundation in 1991, the Carabanchel Soccer School has positioned itself as a leading institution in the south of Madrid, providing training to more than 800 boys and girls. Beyond the sporting sphere, this school promotes fundamental values such as companionship, humility and respect, offering a comprehensive vision of soccer.
The school’s teams actively participate in various leagues and tournaments, providing players with valuable competitive experience to improve their skills. This participation not only fosters athletic development, but also personal growth through competition.
Since 2011, official matches have been held on fields approved by the Madrid Football Federation. In addition, the school has a complete sports area in Parque Sur, which includes two multi-purpose courts, a skating rink and another soccer field, allowing for a varied and quality training.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the best soccer program for your needs?
Breogán School Sports Club
Located in the Salamanca district, the Breogán Soccer School ‘s mission is not only to teach soccer skills, but also to instill values that contribute to the integral development of young players.
The school offers grassroots soccer programs aimed at boys and girls from the age of 2, with training adapted to different categories and levels. Its methodology encourages constructive learning and seeks that players develop their skills autonomously in a meaningful and motivating environment.
Finally, with regard to its facilities, Breogán is equipped to meet the needs of its students, with playing fields and specific spaces for training. This environment allows for quality sports training that favors the personal and soccer growth of its students.
Turning dreams into goals
Looking for the best soccer program for your needs?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ideal age to enroll a child in a soccer academy?
Most high-performance academies accept children from approximately 13 to 22 years of age. However, some specialized academies may offer programs tailored for children as young as 5 years old, with a recreational rather than competitive focus.
What are the requirements to join an academy linked to a professional club?
First, find an academy that fits your needs and goals, and gather the necessary personal documents.
Then, complete the form and pay the booking fee if applicable. A soccer test may be required beforehand, so it is a good idea to prepare for it, and if you have other experience that testifies to your soccer skills, letters of recommendation… They can help you when applying for a place!
If you pass the selection process, just follow the instructions provided by the academy afterwards.
Is it mandatory to reside on the premises of a soccer academy?
No, many academies offer the option to attend externally, although residing on campus can be an advantage for those seeking a total immersion experience, as it allows for a greater focus on training and activities.
Do soccer academies include academic training?
Unlike academies linked to soccer clubs, high-performance academies often offer parallel educational programs to ensure that players continue their studies while training. This is essential to provide a well-rounded education and open up other career opportunities in the future.
At Ertheo, we offer soccer programs geared towards players of all levels, with various academic options to expand their career opportunities. Find out more about the high performance soccer academies and what to expect from a long-term soccer program on the Ertheo website.
Are there scholarships available for students at soccer academies in Madrid?
Some academies offer scholarships or partial funding programs for players with high potential or limited financial resources. We invite you to contact Ertheo for detailed information on financial aid opportunities in soccer programs.
Choosing your football Academy in Madrid
Madrid is home to some of the most outstanding soccer academies, providing players with exceptional opportunities to grow and develop both athletically and personally. If your goal is to make it to an elite club such as those in the Premier League, there are a variety of options to suit all aspiring players. With state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified coaches, each academy is committed to maximizing your talent.
Madrid not only stands out for its great soccer clubs, but also for the quality of its academies, where young talents begin to forge their future in this sport. If you dream of learning, improving your skills and growing in a competitive and motivating environment, choosing the right academy can make all the difference.
