Why a Football Academy?
If you are passionate about soccer and dream of playing in the premier league like your idols, understanding the steps to take to start your professional career in the sport is essential to improve your chances of becoming a professional player. A good way to get the necessary training and visibility to recruiters of young talent is to train at a good soccer institution, and luckily, in Spain we have a great selection that you should know about before making a decision.
In this guide, you will discover what distinguishes the best football academies in Spain and the aspects to take into account before choosing one. You will also learn the differences between the different types of academies that exist and how you can join one step by step. Let’s get started!
Types of Football Academies and Main Differences
Before we go into the list of the best soccer schools in Spain, you should know why training in one is one of the safest options to become a professional soccer player, and what are the different types that exist, because not all of them are accessed in the same way or contemplate the same programs.
Generally speaking, academies fall into two main categories: those that belong to a soccer club, and private football academies. Each has its differences and caters to players with different goals and needs.
Football Academies linked to clubs
Professional club academies are highly competitive, designed for exceptionally talented youngsters who pass demanding soccer tryouts to gain admission. Their objective is clear: to develop players for the first team. If you don’t meet the standards, you’re out.
In addition, few offer housing and do not take responsibility for your academic education. Although the cost may be low or none, the real price is in the pressure and the risk of not advancing.
Private International Football Academies
Unlike club-linked academies, private football academies operate independently and often offer accommodation in their own facilities, allowing students to live, study and train in a fully structured environment.
They are ideal for those who wish to develop without relying on club entrance exams. Although they involve a greater investment, they make it easier to combine studies and soccer by offering a variety of options for academic training and career counseling, significantly expanding career opportunities both on and off the field.
5 Considerations Before Choosing a Football Academy
1. Training Methodology and Technical Team
Coaches are the key to success in any academy. It is crucial that coaches have official licenses, such as the UEFA or FA license, which guarantees an adequate level of preparation and knowledge. High-performance academies often adopt approaches that integrate physical, tactical and psychological training techniques.
2. 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 must have adequate infrastructure to prevent and treat injuries.
3. Location, Accommodation and Services
Choosing a well-located academy, with quality accommodation and complementary services, is key if you are coming from another city or country. The best ones offer safe environments, balanced meals, medical attention and psychological support, allowing the player to fully concentrate on his or her sporting and academic development.
4. Studies and Career Opportunities
A quality academy offers participation in tournaments and leagues, as well as a network of contacts to facilitate the leap to professional soccer. It should also allow players to continue their academic training, whether professional or university, so that they can develop a sports career without neglecting their education and have alternative employment opportunities in the future. It should also be investigated whether it offers scholarships or financial aid.
5. Testimonials and Success Stories
Not all academies with a good online presence have a real track record. Many testimonials can be misleading or manipulated. What is really important is how many players have managed to sign with professional clubs. Researching the academy’s proven track record of success is essential to making an informed decision.
ERTHEO’S RECOMMENDATION
In Ertheo we help you in an impartial way, because we know the market and we have an objective view on soccer academies in Spain.
We always recommend that players attend a football tryout or participate in a short-term football summer camp in Spain before committing to a long-term program.
This way, you can personally evaluate the quality of the training, the treatment of the players and the real opportunities offered by each academy, before making a large investment.
The Best Private Football Academies in Spain
It is clear that the most accessible, easy, comfortable and safe option to build a professional training in the world of soccer is to opt for a soccer academy in Spain that offers the possibility of combining studies with training.
Let’s see below the best academies of this type that you can find in Spain:
Barcelona High Performance Academy
Located in Barcelona, the Barcelona High Performance Football Academy is one of the most prestigious soccer schools in the world. It has more than 40 years of experience training players who have succeeded in elite teams such as David Raya, Han Kwang-Song, Óliver Torres and Konrad de la Fuente, with destinations such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF, Juventus, Chelsea FC, and other European first or second division clubs. Its approach combines high-level sports training with a solid academic education and human values essential for the integral development of its students.
Characteristics of the Barcelona High Performance Academy
- It offers tailor-made programs according to the age and level of the players, such as the outstanding Professional Eurofootball Program for talent identification opportunities in clubs throughout Europe, divided into two main categories: high technification (6 to 13 years old) for the development of young talent and high performance (14 to 21 years old), which consists of a more demanding preparation aimed at simulating a professional environment with real playing opportunities in national and international competitions .
- The technical team is highly qualified, made up of elite trainers, nutritionists, analysts, and professionals who guarantee a safe and professional environment.
- In addition, it has modern sports facilities, natural and synthetic turf training fields, equipped gymnasium and tactical analysis spaces. Players who opt for the residence will enjoy 24-hour supervision, balanced nutrition and amenities that promote a safe and professional environment.
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Valencia High Performance Soccer Academy
The High Performance Soccer Academy of Valencia is an elite institution dedicated to the training of young soccer players with the objective of taking them to the highest competitive level. It offers intensive programs, of short and long duration, for players between 10 and 22 years old, with the support of professional coaches and innovative methodologies that combine technical, tactical, physical and psychological training, acting as a propellant of young talent, such as Jeremy de Leon, who became part of the national team of Real Madrid Castilla.
Characteristics of the High Performance Academy of Valencia
- The academy’s programs include personalized training with more than 12 hours per week, a calendar with more than 50 national and international competitions per year (such as the MIC and Surf Cup) and continuous evaluations through advanced technology.
- In addition, it offers flexible academic programs tailored to the needs of players, including high school education, university studies and Spanish classes, with scholarship options to study at U.S. universities, allowing them to balance academic studies with elite training.
- Players train at the Mas Camarena Resort, a state-of-the-art sports complex that includes state-of-the-art facilities such as artificial turf soccer fields, gymnasium, swimming pool and accommodation in modern full-board rooms, which encompasses an ideal environment for the physical and mental development of the athletes.
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Alicante Football Academy
Alicante Football Academy has established itself as one of the best options for international players aged 16 and over looking to perfect their technique and make the leap to professional soccer in Spain. The academy combines intensive training, a focus on individual development and opportunities for trials with local clubs. The facilities are first class, with high quality soccer fields, a modern gymnasium and a premium residence.
Characteristics of Alicante Football Academy
- Their full program includes twice-daily training sessions, gym sessions, Spanish courses, personalized coaching and recreational activities such as beach soccer and excursions. Players are provided with full board, including breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
- The coaches are highly qualified and hold UEFA Pro licenses, which guarantees a professional level of training. The academy offers opportunities for training and trials with Spanish clubs if the player demonstrates the required level, increasing his chances of signing a professional contract.
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Kaptiva Sports Academy
Kaptiva Sports Academy is a private international soccer academy located in Barcelona, dedicated to the development of young talents between the ages of 12 and 17. Its comprehensive approach combines high performance training, regular competitions and a complete training that covers physical, tactical and mental aspects.
Kaptiva Sports Academy Features
- The annual, semester and summer camp programs are designed to enhance the technical and tactical skills of the players. The F.A.S.T. (Football Academy System Training) methodology is inspired by the Spanish style of play, ensuring total immersion for optimal development.
- Kaptiva Sports facilities are equipped for elite training. Players are also supported by nutritionists and mental trainers, which contributes to their peak performance.
- The academy offers unique opportunities, such as participation in high-level tournaments like the MIC, observed by international scouts.
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Spain Football Academy (SFA)
SFA Academy, located in Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, is one of the best soccer academies in the region. It offers customized programs for youth and senior players from 16 to over 16 years old respectively, competing in the Second Regional Madrilenian League with a federative card. Its approach combines professional training, accommodation and comprehensive sports training.
Features of spain football academy
- The program includes tactical sessions , techniques and ongoing digital analysis to assess performance and build a professional portfolio, and provides for residential and non-residential options with full-service accommodations, food and fitness.
- Players train 3 to 4 times a week on a state-of-the-art turf soccer field, under the supervision and tutelage of UEFA Pro licensed coaches.
- The academy promotes the technical and mental growth of players, with customized sessions, live-streamed games and opportunities to capture the attention of scouts and agents.
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Madrid City Football Academy
Madrid City Football Academy, founded in 2023, has established itself as one of the most prominent soccer academies in Spain. Located in Madrid, the capital of Spanish soccer, the academy offers young people between the ages of 15 and 25 the opportunity to train and compete at the highest level.
Features of Madrid City Football Academy
- During their stay, the players train eight times a week, focusing on technical, tactical, psychological and physical aspects.
- The programs take place at the Valdelafuente sports center, located in the north of Madrid, which offers top-quality facilities including soccer fields, gymnasium, swimming pools and comprehensive services.
- For its part, it provides players with multiple tailored sports and academic opportunities, including Spanish language courses. They participate in weekly matches in semi-professional and friendly leagues against elite teams such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
The selection process follows the usual standard by means of an online registration where, as a general rule, some kind of test is requested to prove the skills or experience of the player who wishes to join.
- A good way to increase your chances of joining a soccer academy is to opt for a football camp in Spain, so you can experience the atmosphere on location and what a soccer program is like.
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Carabanchel Soccer School
The Carabanchel Soccer School, founded in 1991, has established itself as an emblematic institution in the south of Madrid, offering soccer training to more than 800 boys and girls. Its approach is based on instilling values such as humility, respect and fellowship, promoting a unique way of understanding the sport.
Characteristics of the Carabanchel Soccer School
- The school has had soccer fields approved by the Madrid Football Federation since 2011, where official matches are played. In addition, it has sports facilities in Parque Sur, which include two multipurpose courts, a skating rink and another soccer field, providing a suitable environment for the sports development of its players.
- The school’s teams compete in various leagues and tournaments, giving players the opportunity to develop their skills in competitive environments.
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Soccer Inter-Action Academy
Also known as SIA Academy, located in Enguera, Valencia, is one of the most prominent soccer academies in Spain, offering a high performance program for young people between the ages of 14 and 22.
Features of Soccer inter-Action Academy
- Their training is personalized, both individually and as a team, according to the level and position of each player and with academic support from various educational programs. For their part, the players have the opportunity to train with the UD Alzira team, in the RFEF Second Division, and participate in international competitions and tournaments.
- SIA Academy facilities are open year-round and include soccer fields, gymnasium, swimming pool, relaxation areas and premium accommodations with services such as laundry facilities, nutritionally tailored meals, and 24-hour security.
If you are considering joining a high-level soccer academy such as SIA Academy, but are unsure about making a long-term commitment, participating in a soccer camp in Spain if offered, or even in another setting can be a great way to try out the standard training program at high-performance academies before committing to a longer-term program.
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Spain Rush SPF Academy
The Spain Rush-SPF Academy offers high-performance programs for soccer players who want to develop their skills and have the opportunity to become soccer professionals. Located in Valencia, Spain, this academy is known for its personalized approach.
Characteristics of Spain Rush SPF
- The academy organizes exclusive camps for teams, where participants train with professional clubs such as Valencia CF, Atlético Madrid and RCD Español de Barcelona.
- Each program is tailored to the individual needs and abilities of the players, under the supervision of UEFA PRO coaches, who focus on improving technical, tactical and psychological aspects.
- Players have the opportunity to be scouted by scouts from professional teams. In addition, programs include matches against Spanish teams, and academy players can obtain opportunities to train and play in Spanish leagues such as the 1st RFEF and the División de Honor Juvenil.
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The Best Football Club Academies in Spain
La Masia – FC Barcelona
La Masia, FC Barcelona’s prestigious training academy, is a world leader in the development of young soccer talent. Inaugurated in 1979, it has been the cradle of countless footballers who have left their mark on global soccer, such as Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué.
Since 2011, La Masia has been operating in a modern building of almost 6,000 square meters, distributed over five floors. These facilities are designed to optimize the integral training of athletes, offering comfortable rooms, study areas, leisure areas and spaces dedicated to physical and technical preparation.
La Masia graduates have the opportunity to join the different categories of FC Barcelona, including the first team. In addition, the training received opens doors in elite clubs worldwide, consolidating La Masia as a reference in international soccer.
- If you are a Barça fan and want to experience a unique summer, don’t hesitate to book your place for the FCB Escola Barcelona Soccer Camp this 2025! You will live a unique experience for your career in the world of soccer, learning the authentic methodology of the FCB Escola.
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La Fábrica Real Madrid (Real Madrid Youth Academy)
The Real Madrid Academy, known as “La Fábrica”, is recognized worldwide for its excellence in the training of soccer players. Since its creation in the 1950s, it has produced numerous talents who have contributed significantly to the club’s success, such as Emilio Butragueño, Raúl González and, more recently, José Antonio Reyes López.
“La Fábrica” offers a comprehensive program ranging from youth categories to the subsidiary team, Real Madrid Castilla. Training focuses on the technical, tactical and physical development of players, instilling values such as teamwork, discipline and a winning mentality, and the academy’s teams participate in national and international competitions.
The academy’s facilities are located at Ciudad Real Madrid, in Valdebebas. This state-of-the-art complex has multiple training fields, gyms equipped with advanced technology, recovery areas and spaces dedicated to the academic and personal development of the players. La Fábrica’s technical team is made up of highly qualified coaches, many of whom are former players of the club.
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Atletico de Madrid Academy
The Atlético de Madrid Academy has established itself as a reference in the training of young talents, combining a rigorous training methodology with the inculcation of fundamental values such as effort, teamwork and self-improvement.
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. The facilities, meanwhile, are equipped with natural and artificial turf pitches, modern gymnasiums and areas dedicated to recovery and performance analysis.
As far as the FC youth academy is concerned, it is the cradle of numerous talents who have reached professional soccer. One outstanding example is Giuliano Simeone, who has established himself in the Atlético de Madrid first team.
- If you are an Atleti fan and want to train like a real red and white fan, don’t miss the new edition of the Atlético de Madrid Soccer Camp in the city of Palencia! Kids between 15 and 19 years old, of all levels, will be able to enjoy sessions with official coaches and intense matches that will test their skills.
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Valencia CF Academy
The Valencia CF Academy has established itself as one of the best in Europe thanks to its comprehensive, modern and competitive approach. Located in the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna, a state-of-the-art facility with multiple training fields, a rehabilitation center, gymnasium, audiovisual area, dining room, swimming pool and a grandstand with a capacity for 2,250 spectators.
The main objective of the academy is to train soccer players and educate people under the premise: “We educate people, we train soccer players”. Its training program is designed to offer a personalized methodology, adapted to the needs of each player and supervised by expert technicians.
Some of the talents originating from this academy include David Silva, Jordi Alba, Ferran Torres and Carlos Soler, who have excelled for both Valencia CF and the Spanish national team.
- In terms of access, it is quite competitive, as expected of a 1st division team, so it usually involves going through tryouts at football clubs. A good way to prepare for this would be to opt for an intensive soccer program in Spain, which allows you to train with a program that simulates elite FC training, and see if opting later for a long-term program such as an academy can offer is for you.
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Athletic Club Academy
Athletic Club ‘s Lezama Soccer Academy is recognized for its comprehensive approach to the training of soccer players, combining sports and human development. Located in Lezama, about 15 kilometers from Bilbao, this academy has been the cradle of numerous talents who have excelled in professional soccer, such as Aitor Larrazabal and Markel Susaeta.
Its program focuses on a methodology that encompasses technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects, including opportunities in high-level competitions. A multidisciplinary team composed of coaches, physical trainers, doctors and pedagogues work together to ensure a complete training of the players.
In addition, it has state-of-the-art facilities that include multiple training fields, physical preparation areas and spaces dedicated to the academic and personal development of the players.
- If you are interested in participating in a soccer training program at an academy of this type, consult football trials in Spain to gain access.
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Real Valladolid CF International Academy
The Real Valladolid International Academy, located in Valladolid, Spain, offers a comprehensive program for young soccer players between the ages of 15 and 18 from around the world. With an elite methodology based on the experience of Real Valladolid C.F., it provides high-level sports training combined with academic education and personal development.
Players participate in an individualized training plan, led by coaches with proven excellence and professional club experience. The program includes practical sessions, theoretical masterclasses and technical analysis to improve the soccer skills of each participant.
Participants have exclusive access to training sessions, official matches and club events, allowing total immersion in the professional world of soccer, as well as access to first class facilities, including two natural grass pitches, one artificial turf pitch, cafeteria and premium accommodation at the Hotel Restaurante El Montico.
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Zubieta Real Sociedad
The Zubieta Soccer Academy, which belongs to Real Sociedad, is recognized for its comprehensive approach to the training of young talents, combining sports development with personal growth.
Located in the San Sebastian neighborhood of Zubieta, Real Sociedad’s sports facilities cover an area of 70,000 m². Since its creation in 1980, Zubieta has constantly evolved from a single soccer field to six regulation playing fields, four of which are natural grass, along with the rest of the areas dedicated to training and recovery.
The academy’s training itinerary ranges from the infantile category to Sanse, Real Sociedad’s subsidiary team. This pathway is designed to provide players with the necessary tools for their development both as footballers and as individuals, offering opportunities for players to participate in high-level competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At what age can players enter a soccer academy?
Players can begin their training at soccer academies as early as six or seven years old in technical academies, but high-performance academies are usually aimed at athletes between the ages of 13 and 22 who are looking to make the jump to professional soccer.
How do I enroll in a soccer academy?
To enroll in a soccer academy, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right academy according to your goals.
2. Gather the requirements: documents, videos and letters of recommendation.
3. Complete the registration form and make the payment.
4. Participate in interviews or physical tests if requested by the academy.
5. Finalize enrollment and arrange visa if applicable.
How can I increase my chances of being chosen in a Soccer Academy?
To increase your chances of being selected for a soccer academy, follow these tips:
1. Train regularly at clubs, camps and academies.
2. Participate in official selection tests.
3. Attend tournaments where you can be seen by scouts.
5. Choose academies with links to professional clubs.
6. Create a sports history with videos and verifiable achievements.
Are there any costs associated with joining a soccer academy in Spain?
Yes, joining a soccer academy in Spain usually involves costs. Some academies offer partial scholarships, but many charge fees for training, equipment and travel. It is important to check the financial conditions before enrolling.
How do soccer academies support the academic education of players?
Soccer club academies are highly competitive, only accessible by selection and with few options for combining studies and training. Although they finance training, they do not usually cover accommodation.
In contrast, high-performance private soccer academies offer a more personalized approach, with academic training tailored to each student and programs that combine education and elite training in a structured way. Although their tuition fees are high compared to the latter, they usually include accommodation and guarantee a future in semi-professional teams or with job opportunities.
What is the selection process to join a soccer academy in Spain?
The selection process generally follows these steps:
Observation: The scouts may observe your performance in matches or tryouts.
Tryouts: If you stand out, you will be invited to tryouts where they will evaluate your technical skills, fitness and tactical understanding.
Evaluation: Academies assess your potential for growth. If you meet their criteria, you may receive an offer, which sometimes includes an interview with the coaches.
Do soccer academies in Spain offer scholarships or financial assistance?
Yes, but it depends on the academy. Scholarships usually depend on the talent, potential and financial need of the player. 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
Spain boasts some of the most prestigious and well-equipped soccer academies, offering unique opportunities for player development. Whether you dream of a position at a major Premier League club or prefer a more personalized experience at a private academy, there are multiple paths to hone your skills and advance your soccer career. From world-class facilities to expert coaches, each academy focuses on fostering both athletic and personal growth.
That is why at Ertheo, we are always there to help you achieve your goals by offering you the best academic and high performance sports programs.
