Why Choose a University Football Program?
To find the best universities in Spain with competitive sports programs for football enthusiasts, it is key to consider more than just the sports offerings. Factors such as educational quality, flexibility for student-athletes, reputation, location and proximity to clubs are critical. Also important are facilities, costs, scholarships, accommodation and the balance between study and training. In addition, the qualifications of the coaching staff and the track record in training professional athletes can make a difference.
In this article we will explore leading universities with high performance football academic programs, ideally linked to professional clubs. Institutions such as Universidad Europea de Madrid, CIS University and UCAV are examples of universities with high performance soccer programs that incorporate academic flexibility and modern sports facilities.
What do we mean by Football Universities?
A soccer university is an educational institution that integrates soccer as a key part of its academic and extracurricular offerings. Students can pursue degree programs while receiving structured training, competing in matches and developing under the guidance of top-level coaches. In the United States, this model is very common, with college sports acting as a primary pathway to professional leagues such as the NCAA. In fact, the majority of professional athletes in the top U.S. sports leagues come from college athletic programs.
In Europe, by contrast, universities have traditionally kept academic studies and high-performance sport separate. As a result, few European professional footballers hold university degrees, as combining education with elite sport used to be complicated. However, this has changed in recent years. Even some of Europe’s top clubs have started to offer their own higher education programs.
One outstanding example we have already mentioned is the Universidad Europea de Madrid, which offers specialized degrees such as the Master’s Degree in Soccer Coaching and Management and the MBA in Sports Management, designed for high-performance athletes and future leaders in the sports sector.
- These programs often offer flexibility, allowing athletes to earn credentials at their own pace while continuing their athletic careers. In addition, many universities are expanding their offerings in related areas such as sports psychology and physical therapy.
If you want to join an academic soccer program at a university, a good way to improve your skills as a player, build a solid portfolio for future enrollment at highly sought-after universities, and find out if an elite program is right for you, is to try a short-term program, such as a high-performance football camp in Spain.
It will give you an overview of what is involved in a high-performance soccer program that simulates professional training, as well as test sports facilities at football academies before making a considerable investment of resources and time.
Considerations for Choosing a College Football Program
1. Academic Compatibility, Flexibility and Career Opportunities
A good college soccer program should allow students tocombine their studies (which will usually be sports-related) with training, while offering competent exposure opportunities and a good network of contacts with sports entities. Check if the university offers flexibility in the academic schedule and facilities to take exams in case of competitions.
Sports infrastructure and facilities
The quality of facilities is critical to the development of college soccer players. It is essential that the university has training fields in optimal conditions, well-equipped gyms and covered spaces for training in any weather. It should also have specialized medical centers to prevent and treat injuries, as well as comfortable residence halls if students live on campus.
3. Technical staff qualification and training methodology
The level of coaches can make a difference in a student-athlete’s performance. Make sure they have recognized certifications, such as UEFA licenses or equivalent, and previous experience with professional teams. On the other hand, the most comprehensive programs often offer a holistic approach that promotes both athletic performance and the player’s mental well-being.
4. Grants and Costs
The cost of the program is a key factor. Find out if the university offers athletic scholarships or financial aid.
5. Reputation, testimonials and direct evaluation
Research the university’s track record in training soccer players who have gone on to compete at the professional level. The opinions of alumni are a valuable source of information. And if possible, attend open houses, college games or campus visits to personally assess the quality of the program to get a firsthand look at the program.
6. Location and Additional Services
The location of the university can also be a determining factor. If the university has housing, make sure it is comfortable and safe. It is also important that they have complementary services such as healthy food, medical care and psychological support.
The Best Football Universities in Spain
European University of Madrid
The Universidad Europea de Madrid stands out as one of the leading institutions for aspiring soccer players in Spain, offering academic programs that integrate high-level sports training. Its Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences (CAFYD) is complemented by the UEFA A Football Coaching degree, thanks to the collaboration with the Real Federación de Fútbol de Madrid. This four-year program allows students to obtain UEFA C, B and A licenses, with the possibility of accessing the UEFA PRO title, although places for the latter are limited.
In addition to the degree, the institution offers the Master’s Degree in Soccer Management, designed to train students in functions such as youth academy directors, methodology and recruitment departments, among other areas of sports management. This program is based on the resolution of practical cases and has the participation of top-level professionals, providing comprehensive and updated training in both classroom and online modalities.
In terms of facilities, Universidad Europea offers more than 30,000 m² dedicated to sports practice, including soccer fields, athletics track, sports center, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, among others. The Human Performance Research Lab (HPRLab), a state-of-the-art space for learning and research in sports performance, stands out.
In short, the European University is a benchmark in sports research that opens doors to various job opportunities both inside and outside the world of soccer.
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CIS University
Located in the heart of Madrid, CIS University offers the Elite Soccer University program, an initiative that combines university studies with high-performance soccer training. This program is designed for international students who wish to earn a U.S. college degree while improving their soccer skills.
Students can pursue an Associate Degree in areas such as business, marketing, communications, advertising, humanities or international studies during the first two years. After this period, they have the option of continuing their studies at CIS University for a Bachelor’s Degree or transferring to other accredited U.S. universities.
The program includes high-performance training sessions led by coaches certified by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA, ensuring quality training based on Spanish soccer methodology. The training sessions are held at two easily accessible sports facilities , located just 20 minutes by public transportation from the CIS University campus, which feature state-of-the-art synthetic turf.
In addition to academic and athletic development, the program provides opportunities to participate in official competitions and tournaments, as well as access to tryouts with Madrid Soccer Federation teams. Advice and management of a sports portfolio to facilitate application for athletic scholarships at U.S. universities, and classes taught in English with a ratio of 15 students per teacher with a personalized approach are also offered.
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Catholic University of Avila (UCAV)
The Catholic University of Avila (UCAV), in collaboration with Construyendo Fútbol, offers the Higher University Course in High Performance Soccer, designed for those seeking to specialize in the field of soccer. This program, entirely in distance mode, grants 10 ECTS and runs from January to June. Its focus ranges from the creation of game models and advanced strategies to elite physical preparation and detailed training planning, and can be combined with other undergraduate studies, including sports-related degrees such as the Bachelor of Science in Physical Activity and Sport.
The teaching staff is made up of experts with experience in professional clubs and elite youth academies, both nationally and internationally. This diversity guarantees a training based on practical and updated knowledge, adapted to the demands of modern soccer.
The disadvantage is that it is taught online, but it has several networking opportunities and specialized training rooms, including audiovisual content production and recording room, and spaces designed for meetings and collaborative work, providing a comprehensive professional environment at its headquarters, as well as sports facilities for each specialty.
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Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM)
The Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM) stands out as one of the leading institutions in Spain for those seeking to combine high quality university studies with their passion for soccer. Its program in Physical Preparation and Sports Rehabilitation in Soccer offers specialized training, with a practical approach and direct contact with professional soccer clubs. This 60 ECTS blended master’s degree allows students to acquire essential skills in the management of soccer players’ physical preparation, in addition to complementing their training with external certifications such as the Barça Innovation Hub and the Strength & Conditioning Society.
UCAM has state-of-the-art sports facilities, such as the UCAM Sports Center, a 3,000 m² gymnasium equipped with the latest technology, and La Condomina Stadium, with a capacity for 6,500 spectators, where UCAM Murcia CF plays. In addition, students have access to facilities such as the physiotherapy room and a wide range of directed activities, all supervised by qualified instructors in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences.
In terms of academic education, the university offers a wide range of degrees and master’s degrees related to sports, including degrees in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, and programs oriented to the preparation of coaches and trainers.
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International University of Catalonia (UIC Barcelona)
The International University of Catalonia (UIC Barcelona) offers the Sport Talent program, ideal for high-performance athletes who wish to combine their university studies with their sports career. This program allows students to continue their academic training while participating in sports competitions, both regional and international, representing the university.
UIC has a personal trainer who acts as an academic tutor, providing support to facilitate the balance between training and classes. Although no particular sports coaches are specified, students have access to flexible training sessions, adapted to their sports schedule.
The university’s sports facilities include modern spaces for training and competitions, highlighting the Vallvidrera Municipal Soccer Camp for soccer competitions. In addition, students can represent UIC in university leagues, such as the Tiki Taka League in soccer 7-a-side and soccer 5-a-side, even earning ECTS credits for their participation in these events.
Academically, UIC Barcelona offers a comprehensive education, allowing students to access sports-related degrees while receiving the support of the Sport Talent program, which includes exemption from class attendance in case of coincidence with competitions and the possibility of obtaining ECTS credits for training and sports competitions.
This comprehensive approach makes UIC Barcelona an attractive option for those seeking a balance between studies and high-level sport, with the possibility of obtaining a university degree while developing their sporting career.
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Alfonso X el Sabio University (UAX)
The Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio (UAX), in collaboration with the DV7 Academy, founded by ex-footballer David Villa, have signed a contract by which they will establish a high-level educational program for aspiring footballers. This agreement makes the Villanueva de la Cañada campus the official headquarters of the academy, giving students access to a unique environment that combines academic education with elite training.
Qualified coaches from the DV7 Academy, who are noted for their professional experience, will guide the students, although it is not specified if they have UEFA certifications. UAX is also committed to the integral development of its athletes, facilitating participation in both national and international university competitions, which provides valuable competitive experience.
In terms of facilities, UAX is constructing a modern 800 m² building that will include locker rooms, training rooms, physiotherapy and rehabilitation spaces. These facilities, which will be ready in the first quarter of 2025, will provide students with an ideal environment for their physical and academic development. In addition, the campus offers a wide range of sports, including soccer, handball, rugby, athletics, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the benefits of studying a college football program?
Studying at a university with soccer programs gives you the opportunity to develop your skills as an athlete while getting a formal education. Universities often have state-of-the-art sports infrastructures, highly qualified coaches, and links to professional clubs, which can facilitate access to tryouts and career opportunities in the world of soccer.
Can I combine my undergraduate studies with training?
Yes, many soccer universities offer flexibility in their academic programs to allow students to combine their studies with intensive training. Some institutions offer tailored schedules, personalized tutoring and flexible exams for those who participate in competitions or training outside of the regular schedule.
Are there other football options with academic studies that do not involve passing university entrance exams?
Yes, there are high performance soccer academies in Spain that offer sports training along with academic studies, such as Bachillerato or vocational training, and some even facilitate access to university in the future for the study of related degrees. The flexible model allows you to continue with academic training while advancing in soccer from a younger age without the need to access a university program for professionally oriented training.
What are the general requirements for admission to sports universities?
Requirements may vary among institutions, but generally include:
1. Academic record: In public universities, it is necessary to pass the Selectividad or have a good record of Bachillerato.
2. Sports skills: Experience in competitive sports or having been selected in higher categories.
3. Aptitude tests: Some universities require physical examinations or sports tests.
4. Motivation letter or interview: To evaluate your interest in combining studies and sports.
How do I enroll in a sports university in Spain?
The enrollment process depends on whether it is a public or private university:
Public Universities: you must pass the University Entrance Exam (PAU) and meet the university’s specific requirements, which may include sports tests.
Private Universities: They do not require the PAU. They evaluate your academic record and athletic profile, and you may have to pass a physical test or interview.
Do sports universities in Spain offer scholarships?
Yes, many sports universities in Spain offer scholarships for student-athletes. These scholarships can be:
Athletic: Partially or fully cover academic costs, accommodation and transportation for students with outstanding athletic abilities.
Academic: Based on academic performance, they offer partial help with studies.
Collaborative: Students assist in academic or athletic activities in exchange for a reduction in fees.
It is important to review the specific requirements and deadlines of each university.
Conclusion: The Best Option for Getting Started in the World of Football with Ertheo
Choosing a college with a football program can be a crucial step in combining your athletic and academic aspirations. These programs not only provide access to elite coaches and excellent facilities, but also opportunities to compete and develop within professional soccer.
- If you would like personalized advice to find the elite football program that best fits your professional and athletic goals, our sports consultants at Ertheo are here to help.
