FOURWAYS, JOHANNESBURG — Among wannabe footballers, rising soccer lovers, and talented youngsters eager for a big break, Espanyol Academy South Africa’s latest training camp has kicked-off in earnest in Johannesburg.
Currently underway at Fourways High School in Sandton, the academy’s 5-day high-performance training camp — open to boys and girls from U8 to U18 — has reignited dreams of international football exposure and elite development.
The camp, which kicked off Monday July 14 and ends on Friday, July 18, are part of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona’s global expansion strategy and offer local players a rare opportunity to train under the same UEFA Pro-certified methodology used at the Spanish club’s official youth academy.
“Each player receives elite instruction rooted in the same proven methods used at the club’s youth academy in Spain — rcde academies are international football schools designed to export the brand and methodology of rcd espanyol de barcelona. the model is based on professionalism, integral development, and success in youth training systems. the objective is to enhance all player skills under the direct supervision of a methodology director from rcd espanyol.
Details at a glance:
Venue: Fourways High School, Sandton, Johannesburg
Dates: July 14–18
Ages: U8 to U18 (boys and girls)
Cost: R1500 per player
Contact: Areefa@ibercup.co.za
Register: Click here
This year’s camp build on the record-breaking success of past events. In its debut trials in Johannesburg, the academy attracted over 5,000 young players from across the country and neighbouring regions like Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe — proving the demand for elite development structures in South Africa.
“The support of players and parents has been overwhelming and a complete revelation for us,” Michael Bender, CEO of the RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg, said at the time.
“It proves this kind of initiative is desperately needed in South Africa. The talent pool was beyond exceptional.”
RCD Espanyol Academy is a joint initiative between the LaLiga club and local partner IBERCUP, a global leader in international youth tournaments. The South African project is part of a global network of Espanyol academies, with coaching based on the La21 methodology, focused on adaptable, creative, and values-driven footballers.
“The interest in the Espanyol academy has been unbelievable. We’re getting highly skilled and talented youngsters coming from all walks of life. This is the first step of many to come,” said Brian Baloyi, former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and Head Goalkeeping Coach at the academy.
“Personally, being involved in the academy of a LaLiga club is a big thing and a responsibility I do not take lightly… I am eager and can’t wait for this academy to really kick off.”
The club’s presence in South Africa extends beyond the field — with players and staff participating in cultural tours of Soweto, visits to Mandela House, and interviews with local media. As the first LaLiga club to establish a permanent academy in the country, RCD Espanyol continues to solidify its commitment to long-term youth development here.
Follow updates and training camp highlights on:
To learn more about Espanyol’s global mission, visit: RCDE Soccer Academy
🔗 For inspiring news on youth development sports in South Africa, also read:
- Boland U18 rugby boys team makes a strong showing at Craven Week – celebrating standout performances by rising rugby stars.
- Mercedes-Benz & Mapimpi’s Eastern Cape youth initiative – a powerful partnership empowering the next generation through sport.
For updates, analysis and more on trending South African sports news, visit:
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