Kaptiva Sports Academy: Quality education and training for aspiring footballers in Barcelona

If you have a young, aspiring footballer in the family, where could be a better place to hone their skills than the home of one of the best football teams in the world – Barcelona? At Kaptiva Sports Academy in the European International School of Barcelona, young Messis and Piques in the making, can fulfill their sporting dreams, while combining them with a quality education in a residential football academy.

Barcelona is an ideal city to study football, because it lives and breathes the game. You’ll find locals playing and watching football in every corner of the city, whether it be on a concrete patch outside their apartments or on one of the many AstroTurf or 11-a-side pitches. Not only will students be able to watch one of the world’s best teams play at Camp Nou, but also revel in the intense rivalry between Barça and Real Madrid during the world-famous El Clásico games. The passion for the game here, is sure to motivate any ambitious athlete to push harder to achieve their goals.

Besides its footballing connections, Barcelona is the ideal city for athletes. Being based in between the sea and the mountains, it offers plenty of opportunities to get fit off the pitch, too – from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and sea swimming. That, mixed with a mild climate and plenty of sunny days, makes it a great place to train and live.

Pursuing their passion

Kaptiva Sports Academy is a residential football academy, where players live on campus, in a residence hall exclusive to them. Students have full access to the AESA Prep International blended learning programme, which combines online education with face-to-face classes at the European International School of Barcelona. These blended learning programs are available for students from ages 14 to 18 (ninth to 12^th grade), enabling athletes to pursue their passion, whilst also getting a world-class academic education.

The football portion of the programme aims to turn youngsters into well-rounded players. From Monday to Friday, students typically have two practices per day – once in the morning focusing on strength and conditioning, and once in the afternoon, focusing on teamwork. “Every week, players also take part in invisible training,” says marketing coordinator Natalia Hernandez. “This places emphasis on players’ physical and mental strength within football. This can include things such as team video analysis sessions, weekly sessions with a sports psychologist, physical therapy, sessions with sports nutritionists, and masterclasses from experts within the world of football.”

Human and intellectual development

The European International School of Barcelona is located in Sant Cugat de Valles, just outside of the city, a place with more space for facilities. The school has developed a special, comprehensive and integrative project based on more than 40 years of experience in the educational field. “I love that it’s a place where students can not only concentrate on their academic classes, but also on their human and intellectual development,” says Hernandez.

Classes are taught in English, but students also learn in Spanish and Catalan. In addition, there are added optional extras to study French, German or Mandarin. This means that wherever the players end up going, they’ll already have a language advantage. Students attend classes at EIS Barcelona for six hours per day, giving them the time they need for daily training, as well. It also allows for them to miss class for tournaments and competitions, adapting to their needs.

High-level tournaments

During their time at Kaptiva Sports Academy, players will compete in the Catalan Football Federation, a highly competitive football league. They also compete in high-level tournaments throughout Spain and get the chance to play against some of the best youth teams in the country, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and RCD Espanyol. Athletes will also gain a broader perspective of European football, because every season, they will take part in an international training clinic abroad.

All students graduate with an American High School Diploma after earning the necessary credits. The curriculum includes core courses in math, science, English, and social studies, as well as electives and physical education. Many of Kaptiva Sports’ students have gone on to gain football scholarships to top universities after they graduate.

www.kaptivasportsacademy.com
www.eisbarcelona.com