How Old Do You Have to Be to Join Barcelona Academy?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you a young aspiring footballer dreaming of joining the world-renowned Barcelona Academy? Many young players look up to FC Barcelona as a club with a rich history and an unparalleled reputation for developing some of the world’s best footballers.

But how old do you have to be to join the Barcelona Academy? Let’s find out.

Barcelona Academy: An Overview

The Barcelona Academy, also known as La Masia, is the youth academy of FC Barcelona and has been producing world-class footballers since its establishment in 1979. The academy has produced some of the biggest names in football, including Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets.

Age Requirements at Barcelona Academy

The Barcelona Academy offers training programs for boys and girls as young as six years old. However, to join the official youth teams at La Masia, players must be between the ages of six and eighteen years old.

The academy has different age categories for its teams, such as pre-benjamin (6-7 years old), benjamin (8-9 years old), alevin (10-11 years old), infantil (12-13 years old), cadet (14-15 years old), juvenil (16-17 years old), and amateur (18+).

The Selection Process

Joining the Barcelona Academy is not easy – it requires exceptional talent and hard work. The selection process involves attending trials where aspiring players are evaluated by coaches and scouts at La Masia. The selection process also includes physical tests to assess speed, agility, endurance, etc.

It’s important to note that being selected for trials does not guarantee acceptance into La Masia. The competition is stiff, with thousands of young players vying for just a few spots every year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Barcelona Academy is open to young players as young as six years old. The selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, with only a few players being selected every year.

If you’re an aspiring footballer looking to join the Barcelona Academy, it’s essential to start training early and work hard on your skills. Remember, hard work always pays off!