Budding football enthusiasts in the
Philippines recently experienced the thrill of a lifetime as Barça Academy, the
official football school of FC Barcelona, launched its first-ever training camp
in the Philippines.
The first leg of this groundbreaking camp
kicked off at PAREF Southridge in Muntinlupa City from November 8 to 12,
followed by the second leg at Atleta 63 Bridgetowne in Quezon City from
November 15 to 19. Over 400 kids aged 6 to 15 participated in the program
sponsored by PAREF (Parents for Education Foundation) School and Landers
Superstore.
About Barça
Academy
Recognized as the number one youth football
camp in the world, Barça Academy has established a presence in 34 countries,
held more than 100 camps, and trained more than 25,000 students on FC
Barcelona’s world-renowned playing techniques and club philosophy.
The global nature of the club allows for
international collaboration and growth. Promising players from all over the
world can be sent to Barça Residency Academy or Barça Academy PRO schools where
they will receive top-tier training and participate in elite leagues, paving
the way for them to become professional players.
Honing Athletic
Skills
The young talents of the inaugural Barça
Academy camp here in the Philippines spent the two weekends immersing in FC
Barcelona’s legendary training methodology under the expert guidance of
Technical Director Ivan Muñoz Villanueva and esteemed Coaches Albert Aparisi
and Sergio Barrera Martin. Called the “Barça style,” this world-renowned
program has gained prestige for its hallmark proactive, collective, and
creative style of play that produced the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and one
of the world’s greatest football players, Lionel Messi.
"For over 30 years, FC Barcelona has
played with a unique, easily recognizable style based on creativity and
movement of the ball. It is intuitive and flexible, but also organized and
based on systemic principles. The Barça style has evolved to become one of the
most identifiable and far-reaching characteristics of the club,” explains
Villanueva.
Building
Character
However, the camp was not merely about honing
athletic prowess. Beyond the pitch, Barça Academy underscored its commitment to
nurturing better individuals. Training sessions placed a strong emphasis on
instilling FC Barcelona’s values of respect, effort, ambition, teamwork, and
humility. The participants not only sharpened their football skills but also
embarked on a character-building journey to develop integrity and resilience.
A Way to Play,
A Way to Grow
The first Barça Academy Football Training
Camp in the Philippines has not only brought the renowned FC Barcelona
methodology to these shores but has ignited the passion for football and the
pursuit of excellence in the hearts of the young players who participated. It
marks a significant milestone in the football landscape of the Philippines and
sets the stage for a brighter future for football in the country.
