While #SavetheCrew dominates the headlines, the opening of Barca Academy Columbus has quietly become the biggest local soccer story of the year. Frankly we are surprised that this isn’t bigger news as it really should be.
We are talking about one of the world’s best clubs and biggest brands setting up shop right here in Ohio’s capital. It’s an important development in a time of great uncertainty. Short-term, the academy is already making a name for itself through attractive play and competitive teams in less than two months of operation. Long-term, Barca Academy Columbus could have a greater impact than the Crew’s own academy or even MLS.
The academy already boasts 465 players from the ages 7-19. That number is likely to rise to at least 500 by the end of the season as news spreads. Twelve coaches, including six from Spain, are providing instruction to players from all over Central Ohio.
This is a club that is primed to be an incredible powerhouse of youth soccer. Why? Having the chance to be connected to the club of Messi, Cruyff, and Ronaldinho is one that is truly tough to beat. And Barca is known for playing some of the world’s most attractive soccer. This club markets itself.
Leading the way for Barca Academy Columbus is Carles Martin, Director of Barca Academies worldwide. We had the privilege of having Martin as part of a Q&A.
1. Why was Columbus chosen as a location for the Barca Academy?
The club is aiming to develop and promote the growth of soccer in America, so we’re actively looking at cities with a large interest in soccer, like Columbus. Based on the outpouring of support from the local community, we know Barca Academy Columbus is going to be a special one.
2. There are a large number of youth clubs and programs in the Greater Columbus and Central Ohio. What makes Barca Academy different?
FC Barcelona has always been known for its youth development model which produces great professional soccer players. The young athletes who become part of the Barca Academy will follow the same formative philosophy with the values that were followed by Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Carles Puyol. All our coaches strive at developing players at their highest level, and making them capable of playing the Barca way.
3. How does the Barca Academy connect back to FC Barcelona back in Spain?
Our Local Columbus Project Director, Miquel, works in close connection with the headquarters in Barcelona, where we count on a Technical Director and a Technical Coordinator to support the implementation of the methodology. Barca is offering a perfect path for the correct football development career. Any player who is part of the Academy will have the chance to join our Barca Residency Academy in Arizona and who knows, perhaps can even make the leap to the professional structure in Barcelona.
4. What are core values, beliefs, and the mission of the Barca Academy?
Our values are very clear, we play with the HEART. Humility, Effort, Ambition, Respect and Teamwork, together with the conviction of having the most enjoyable style of play, are our pillars.
5. When did the Barca Academy begin operations outside of Spain?
Our first academy started back in 2004, and since then we have expanded to all the continents with 40+ academies, reaching out to 45,000+ players per year, with all the activities we perform. We love to proudly say that a Barca player is wearing our jersey and playing the Barca way 24/7.
6. What are the short-term and long-term goals for the Barca Academy in Columbus and worldwide?
We want to spread the Barca way, to allow as many people as possible to enjoy it, and let Barca become an essential part of the integral development of soccer players and, most importantly, people, worldwide.
