Starting in the first week of August, Real Madrid will take over and transform the landscape of youth football training in India by managing 30 youth academies across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune. This new initiative will train 4,500 enthusiastic young players under the Educational Football Program, following the closure of Barcelona’s football academies in the country.
Excitement and Vision
Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno, who currently works as the club’s Director of Institutional Relations, expressed his excitement about this new venture. “We are excited to bring Real Madrid’s rich football heritage and world-class training methodologies to India. This initiative aims to inspire and develop young football talent, fostering a new generation of football stars,” Butragueno said. With a storied history of producing top-tier talent like Raul and Iker Casillas through its academy, La Fabrica, Real Madrid is poised to impact the future of Indian football.
Closure of Barcelona’s Academies
Barcelona, in June 2024 announced on its website that it would be ceasing operations of its academies in India from July 1, 2024, leaving many young footballers in uncertainty. “FC Barcelona have informed the families involved in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune will cease to operate as Barca Academies from 1 July 2024,” the club stated. “Barcelona’s presence in India began back in 2010 and since then thousands of youngsters have learned to play football in the Barca style and with the Club’s values.”
Opportunities for Indian Youth
Real Madrid’s takeover of these academies offers a beacon of hope for the young athletes. These players will now have the opportunity to participate in international age-group tournaments such as the Singa Cup in Singapore, the Super Cup in Dubai and the Asia Pacific Cup in India. This international exposure is expected to be instrumental in the growth and development of the young players.
Partnership with Conscient Sports
Kriti Jain Gupta, Director of Conscient Sports, which is the exclusive partner of Real Madrid in India, commented on the partnership. “This collaboration will elevate the football training landscape in India, providing young players with unparalleled opportunities to grow and excel,” she said. In addition to high-quality training in India, select players from these academies will have the chance to travel to Spain to participate in the RMF Clinic and Challenge Cup at the Real Madrid facility.
Expert Coaching Team
The new coaching team will comprise professionals from the Real Madrid Foundation, Conscient Football, and multiple Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) licensed coaches. This blend of expertise aims to provide the best training methodologies and practices to the young footballers in India.
A Bright Future for Indian Football
With Real Madrid’s rich football heritage and comprehensive training programs, this initiative is set to inspire and cultivate the next generation of football stars in India, promising a bright future for aspiring young players.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
