Although yesterday marked the official opening of the fourth edition of the Barça Academy Training Camp, the 70 players who will be training this year at the Ciutat Esportiva began their sessions today, Friday. The players are from 12 different countries and 21 Barça Academies around the world. Barça Academy Dubai is the one with the largest representation, with eight players. Only seven players are taking part for a second year, and just one is doing so for a third time. Europe and the Middle East accounts for 29 players, while Asia-Pacific has 24. The Americas are represented by 17 players.

The Barça Academy Training Camp is a talent-focused initiative driven by the technical department. The participating players go through a selection process to form five teams: three in the U11 category, one U13 team and one U15 team. Those selected get the opportunity to compete alongside the best players of their age from the various Barça Academies. During the week they train at the Ciutat Esportiva, they will take part in training sessions, video analysis, matches against high-level teams from Catalonia and Barça’s own youth system, group activities, attend Barça’s match against Oviedo at the Spotify Camp Nou, explore the city of Barcelona, and visit the Club Museum.

First team visit

The highlight of today’s training session was the surprise appearance of first team goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. The Polish international took photos with the players and chatted with them after the session. He also addressed the Training Camp participants, encouraging them to improve every day and to give their all in every training session. He even asked the boys who their favourite Barça player was, prompting laughter when they pointed out that it was Joan Garcia. An unforgettable experience for all of them, which they will take home to their countries.

Coaching coaches

In addition, for the past two editions the programme has also included selected coaches from different academies, who receive training from the Barça Academy’s technical department. This year’s edition features 11 coaches from eight different countries, representing 10 Barça Academies. There will also be a theoretical session on mobile phone use and nutrition, aimed at providing coaches with training in areas beyond the purely sporting side.

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    Força Barça