FC BARCELONA’S OFFICIAL SOCCER RESIDENCY ACADEMY IN THE U.S.A.

WELCOME TO THE
BARÇA ACADEMY
 INTRODUCING THE BARÇA ACADEMY

Barça Academy is a brand-new partnership between FC Barcelona, one of the premier and most renowned
soccer clubs in the world, and Grande Sports Academy, one of the most successful youth soccer development
academies in the United States competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA). Barça Academy is
the only USSDA full-time residential program in the U.S. partnered with a top international professional team.
No other top-level international professional team has brought their highest-level youth coaches to the U.S.
to live full-time on campus and train young talented players year-round.
 
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA IN U.S. YOUTH SOCCER DEVELOPMENT
 
Grande Sports Academy and FC Barcelona have joined together to offer FC Barcelona’s only official full-
time youth residency academy in the world besides La Masia in Barcelona, Spain. FC Barcelona is relocating
a Technical Director and Director of Methodology from La Masia to live full-time on the Barça Academy
campus to train academy players. Barça Academy provides talented players from around the world with the
invaluable opportunity to achieve their athletic, academic and personal goals!

Barça Academy players will have access to the state-of-the-art Grande Sports Academy facility with on-site
dorms, on-site soccer, nutrition, Performance Center, and an on-site high school facilitated by
Arizona State University, one of the finest universities in the nation. It is the ideal place for players to
develop on the field, in the classroom, and as a person among the most elite youth soccer players from
the United States and around the world.

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 HISTORY OF FC BARCELONA & GRANDE SPORTS ACADEMY
FC Barcelona’s reputation is legendary and represents the foremost soccer player development in the world.
Many of the great players in FC Barcelona’s history have lived at La Masia, FC Barcelona’s youth academy
in Barcelona, Spain, and have trained under some of the best coaches in the world. Some of the famous
La Masia graduates include Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi who have all played indispensable roles
in FC Barcelona’s triumphant history. In 2010, all three players were finalists in the Ballon d’Or, the annual
award presented to the world’s best soccer player - an unprecedented feat for players from the same soccer
academy. Lionel Messi has won the award five different times. FC Barcelona’s players have won a record
number of Ballon d’Or awards (11), as well as a record number of FIFA World Player of the Year awards (7).
FC Barcelona has set the gold standard with their world-renowned soccer methodology and their incredible
success in the realm of youth development.
 
FC Barcelona is considered one of the most successful soccer clubs in the world and has won 24 Spanish
La Liga titles, five UEFA Champions League titles, a record four UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup trophies, a shared
record five UEFA Super Cup trophies, 29 Copa del Rey titles, 12 Spanish Super Cups, and a record three
FIFA Club World Cup trophies.
 
Grande Sports Academy was established in 2010 as the first full-time U.S. Soccer Development Academy
residency program affiliated with an MLS team. Grande Sports Academy was modeled after the successful
Ajax Academy and La Masia and has won a USSDA National Championship, been runner-up twice and has
had three different players recognized as Player of the Year by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Grande
Sports Academy has also been recognized by U.S. Soccer as having the best soccer training facilities with
ideal year-round playing conditions. Every single graduate of Grande Sports Academy has been offered a
college scholarship (131) or has signed a professional contract (33).

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 WHY BARÇA ACADEMY?

Barça Academy is the best place in the world for elite youth players to develop and perfect their talents
since only a small percentage of Spanish residents can attend La Masia. The combination of FC Barcelona’s
world-renowned philosophy and Grande Sports Academy’s top-notch facilities and staff provide a wide range
of benefits to players, including:

Participation in FC Barcelona’s High quality nutritional programming

official residential soccer academy geared toward getting a young athlete
in the United States to the next level

Instruction in a professional Opportunity to train with and trial for

environment from FC Barcelona’s FC Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain
famed La Masia coaches who will
live at the facility year-round and Opportunity for an annual friendly
train players and campers match between a similarly-aged team
at FC Barcelona
Immersion in FC Barcelona’s world-
renowned youth development training Compete in official FC Barcelona first
methodology and philosophy team match kits

Excellent education on campus by

Arizona State University

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 WHERE EXCELLENCE MEETS OPPORTUNITY

Barça Academy is uniquely positioned to help our athletes accomplish their dream of playing at the highest
level on the field, while stressing the importance of life skills, college-preparatory academics, and
character development off the field.
 
FC Barcelona and Grande Sports Academy philosophies are fully aligned and create a unique youth player
development environment that is second to none. This is where young talented student athletes reach
an unparalleled level of mental and physical development to maximize their potential and achieve their
individual goals. As many of our past student-athletes have found, enrollment in Barça Academy is the
most important step towards excellence in soccer, academics and life.

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

SOCCER LIFE AT
BARÇA ACADEMY
 THE BARÇA ACADEMY COMMITMENT

Provide the finest youth soccer training environment in the nation

Identify, develop, and prepare student-athletes to be all they can be — personally, athletically,
and academically — and provide them with a foundation for success in all aspects of their lives

Enhance the tactical and technical skills of our student-athletes through competition against
top-rated national and international teams

Prepare young athletes for the next steps in their soccer career with the goal of college scholarships
or professional contracts

Provide a safe environment away from home that nurtures and develops the individual talents
of each student-athlete while instilling qualities of commitment, responsibility and teamwork.

CORE VALUES
Honesty
Integrity
Respect
Commitment
Discipline
Teamwork
Sportsmanship
Humility

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 BARÇA ACADEMY IS THE ONLY U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT
ACADEMY PROGRAM THAT IS THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCY
PROGRAM OF AN INTERNATIONAL CLUB TEAM

The U.S. Soccer Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the highest caliber youth
academies in the United States and Canada to provide the highest level of youth competition for the best
youth players. The focus is to produce the next generation of National Team players.

The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and highly competitive games
is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices. The Development Academy’s primary focus is player development,
and Academy teams are required to train at least three days per week and rest one day per week during the
Academy season.

The Academy connects U.S. Soccer staff directly with the Development Academy clubs to develop and identify
players for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a U.S. Soccer Technical Advisor
multiple times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations from U.S. Soccer. Additionally,
the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program has a concentration of the best talent pool in the U.S. for
college coaches to identify and recruit players.

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 TENTATIVE DAILY TRAINING SCHEDULE

6-7am Position specific training - 2x-3x per Week

7:15-7:45am Breakfast
8am-2:05pm School Classes
2:05-3:15pm Personal development projects
3:15-5pm Tutoring and training snack
5-6:30pm Training Slot 1
6:30pm Dinner Slot 1
6:30-8pm Training Slot 2
8pm Dinner Slot 2
9-10pm Study
10pm Lights Out

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

ACADEMIC LIFE
AT BARÇA ACADEMY
 EXCELLENCE ON THE FIELD AND IN THE CLASSROOM

In addition to the highest quality training on the field, players will also receive the highest quality training
in the classroom through Arizona State University’s Preparatory Academy. ASU Prep is an innovative charter
high school where teachers, students, and family share the same goal – advanced education. Students are
prepared for success with personalized attention in a university-embedded academic program that empowers
them to advance their education, compete globally and contribute to their communities.
 
The structured schedule of school and soccer training helps create a discipline that will lead to greater
success on and off the field. Students attend school on campus and have ample training and study time
before weekend games. Through academic advising, directed study halls, college preparation, life skills
support, community service opportunities and stimulating cultural and extracurricular activities, the
Academy provides our student athletes with skills, and capabilities they need to succeed in life.

ASU Preparatory Academy

maintains a rigorous curriculum
focused on:

Internationally acclaimed
Cambridge Curriculum
Personalized student instruction
Critical thinking and
project-based learning
Annual “Capstone”
thesis-venture projects
Opportunities to take ASU
courses for college credit
Technology integration

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 ASU PREPARES STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE

Academic Excellence.
ASU Prep provides a rigorous, student-centered, and innovative program of study designed to meet the unique
needs of every learner. ASU Prep understands that every student is unique. Their flexible curriculum delivery
model aligns with international standards of excellence.

Flexible Blended Learning.

Highly qualified teachers use personalized online courses combined with face-to-face instruction to support
student needs. Students learn on an individualized pace with access to tutors and learning success coaches.
Additionally, college credit courses are available as students demonstrate readiness.

Highly Skilled Teachers and Leaders.

Great teachers and outstanding school leaders can set students on a path of success. ASU Prep teachers
are highly qualified and highly educated, with 73 percent currently holding or pursuing a graduate degree.
Students have access to the teachers and leaders who will assist them to succeed.

University-Infused Environment.
Students at ASU Prep use digital technology to address problems and challenges and work collaboratively
to identify solutions to social issues that affect their communities. They explore college majors and career
disciplines through personalized academic apprenticeships with ASU faculty and community organizations.

A Bold Vision for the Future.

ASU Prep delivers a flexible and globally competitive instructional model that is integrated with the university
curriculum, expanding access to the innovative teaching, research and resources of ASU, providing students
with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in college, realize their full potential
and achieve their dreams.

“ASU Preparatory Academy is proud to partner with Grande Sports

Academy in fulfilling its mission to develop and prepare student-athletes
from around the world to reach their fullest potential personally,
athletically and academically. ”
- B eatriz Rendon, Arizona State University Vice President of Educational Outreach and
CEO, ASU Preparatory Academy

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 DEVELOPING A GROWTH MINDSET

Barça Academy is as committed to the development of the young athlete off the field as on the field. A growth
mindset is the foundation of fulfilling individual potential and Barça Academy provides just that environment.

Communication mastery, life skills, community service, career building and individual personal development
are integrated into the daily life at Barça Academy.

ASU Prep’s Lead Success Coach and the Academy Director work with each student to establish personal and
academic goals. An initial assessment is completed by ASU Prep’s Lead Success Coach, the Academy Director,
the students, and their parents or guardians at the beginning of the academic year. Progress toward achiev-
ing these goals is the focus during the entire year.

Students are exposed to the arts, music, and culture by incorporating outside speakers, various field trips,
and exposure to a wide variety of accomplished professionals. The Academy Director is responsible for
organizing, coordinating and executing the personal and academic plan of each student. Open communication
with parents is encouraged.

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

STAFF &
FACILITIES AT
BARÇA ACADEMY
 COACHING STAFF – PROFESSIONAL, RECOGNIZED
AND ACCOMPLISHED
Barça Academy players are led by FC Barcelona’s La Masia coaches who live on site year round to implement their
unique FC Barcelona soccer philosophy and world-renowned training methodology. The entire coaching staff is
recognized nationally and internationally for their professional playing and coaching careers at the highest levels
collegiately, professionally, and internationally. Their total commitment and dedication is to youth development,
training, and coaching.

In addition to the exceptional top-level coaching staff there are numerous dedicated professionals among the
more than 135 Grande Sports Academy employees to support the student athletes and help them achieve and
maintain elite levels of performance. The entire staff is focused on athlete development physically, mentally,
nutritionally, academically, and personally.

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 TRAIN WHERE 16 MLS AND 5 NATIONAL TEAMS HAVE TRAINED

Barça Academy is located on the campus of the $20 million Grande Sports World complex in Casa Grande, AZ,
just 45 minutes from Phoenix International Airport. Grande Sports World is one of the finest soccer training
facilities in the country and is the training destination for the top youth, professional and national teams
from around the globe.

“Best Soccer Training

THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS
Facility Award” by U.S. Soccer

STATE-OF-THE-ART PERFORMANCE CENTER (58,000 sq. ft.)

8 PROFESSIONAL GRADE FIELDS (six lighted)

SWIMMING POOL AND JACUZZI
SOCCER TENNIS COURTS
PROFESSIONAL CALIBER LOCKER ROOMS
HOT AND COLD PLUNGE THERAPY POOLS
ADJACENT HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT ON CAMPUS

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 CENTER FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

As one of the most well-renowned sports performance and physical therapy organizations in the United States, the
Center for Athletic Performance and Physical Therapy (CAPPT) provides Barça Academy with polar testing, strength and
conditioning, rehabilitation and recovery, nutritional guidance and support services for all of our student athletes.

CAPPT, the preferred source of performance training for the world’s top athletes, prepares our athletes to
get the most out of their bodies by increasing strength, endurance and flexibility—leading to increased
productivity and decreased injury.

In addition to providing our athletes with world-class instruction from CAPPT, the physical training
facilities at Grande Sports World are second to none in the U.S. and few soccer teams from around the
world have access to the quality of facilities available to our student athletes.

“The facilities enabled my teammates and I the ability to improve on

every aspect of our game. The fields were the best that I have ever had
the opportunity to play on. With the excellent fitness center, I was able to
improve on my game off the field. The equipment and space allowed me
to become much stronger. All of these things provided to me were huge
assets to my growth as a player” - J S

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

THE GRANDE SPORTS
ACADEMY EXPERIENCE
 GRANDE SPORTS ACADEMY – A HISTORY OF SUCCESS

Percent of Grande Sports Academy graduates have received a college scholarship offer or signed
100 a professional contract

33 Professional signings U.S. Soccer Development Academy

2013 U-15/16 National Champions

U.S. Soccer Development Academy

131 College scholarship offerings 2014 U-15/16 National Championship Finalist

Players were called up to Youth and Men’s National U.S. Soccer Development Academy
68 Teams representing 14 different countries
2015 U-17/18 National Championship Finalist

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES WHERE GSA GRADUATES EARNED SCHOLARSHIPS

Stanford University University of Denver University of South Florida
University of Maryland, College Park California State University – San Bernardino Fort Lewis College
Wake Forest University Gardner-Webb University University of Portland
Georgetown University University of Wisconsin Amherst College
University of Virginia Utah Valley University University of Seattle University of San Diego
Clemson University High Point University Lipscomb University
UCLA United States Air Force Academy University of South Florida
Loyola Marymount University University of Louisville Concordia University
Marquette University University of California Irvine Seattle University
University of Washington University of South Carolina Suffolk University
Emory University San Diego State University Arizona Christian University
California State Polytechnic Grand Canyon University University of Nebraska Omaha
University - Pomona University of New Mexico College of Charleston
Oregon State University University of Dayton Southern Methodist University
Gonzaga University Elon University University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Boston University Northwest Nazarene University Liberty University
Stony Brook University University of Incarnate Word

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 PLAYER TESTIMONIALS

“Coming to Grande Sports Academy is an opportunity of a lifetime. You meet people from all
over the United States and even other countries. You get the best quality of training in the
United States for our age group and you live the life that nobody else gets to live. There are
all the right things here that can better each individual in their own way “ - KK

“To be part of this program is more than just being on a team. It is camaraderie, a fellowship,
and a family. We care for one another like true brothers, and though we all come from dif-
ferent backgrounds and lifestyles, we make it work because we find our one common ground,
the love for the most amazing sport in the world.” - EG

“I do not think there is any other place that competes with what the academy is doing here
in Casa Grande, Arizona. I sincerely recommend this opportunity to anyone that wants to
pursue a dream in soccer whether that is playing in college or even professionally.” – JC

“Although I’ve had good experiences at other residential programs, I think Grande Sports
Academy took soccer even further for me. I train harder and more often here, all the
coaches have tons of experience and knowledge, and all the players are dedicated to
soccer. Here soccer isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. - AF

“I knew from the start that Grande was going to be a successful academy. How they train the
players and the mentality down there – everyone wants to succeed and work to get better
every day. I knew that when I came in the first day I was going to do everything I could to
eventually become a professional athlete. That was my main goal and I did it.” - BL

520-381-8111 | info@BarcaAcademy.com | www.BarcaAcademy.com

 CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Register online at Email us at Call us at

www.BarcaAcademy.com info@BarcaAcademy.com 520-381-8111

Grande Sports Academy

12684 West Gila Bend Highway
Casa Grande, Arizona 85193