New Delhi: In what can be seen as a massive blow to Indian football’s grassroots development model, FC Barcelona, one of the best football clubs in the world, has decided to shut down all its academies in India. The European giants started football operations in the country 14 years ago, aiming to train Indian kids in their famed ‘La Masia’ Youth Academy style.
The Spanish club did not provide any official reason for the development. All FC Barcelona academies in India in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune will shut shop on July 1.
“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 said in a statement.
“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.
“Furthermore, India was the venue for two Barca Academy APAC tournament in 2019 and 2020 and the academies have been an ever present in the 11 editions of the Barca Academy World Cup held in Barcelona during Easter Week,” the club added.
Massive blow for Indian football
FC Barcelona academies played a big role in the rise of football enthusiasts in the country. Training at a club that produced icons like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, who are a ‘La Masia’ product, was a dream come true for the Indian kids.
Barca Academy India was the biggest football training and development programme in India at the grassroots level.
Whatever might be the reason behind Barcelona’s decision, it could be a major demoralising factor for the Indian kids, who dream of becoming a footballer.
FC Barcelona thanked all the families for their trust in the project over the years and expressed gratitude to all the coaches, local staff, and Conscient Football – the club’s India partner. Conscient Football collaborated on the Barca academies project all these years in the country.
The venture saw Barcelona setting up multiple football training centres in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune. The club also worked extensively towards organising programs, camps, leagues, tournaments, and exposure trips.
Barca Academy helps nurture boys and girls between 4 to 17 years of age with the main objective of providing a conducive training environment for their students.
Whatever might be the reason behind Barcelona’s decision, it could be a major demoralising factor for the Indian kids, who dream of becoming a footballer. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
