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Carolinas

About

The Barça Academy Carolinas is a soccer academy that follows the FC Barcelona model for boys and girls from 5 to 19 years. Created in August 2016, we are currently proud to be serving the Greater Carolinas area community and directly teaching “The Barça Way” to more than 600 girls and boys.

Our US soccer academy is currently divided into four different locations: Carolinas, Central (Uptown Charlotte and Matthews), South (York County), and West (Gaston County, Cleveland County, and Lincoln County).

Our team of staff and coaches is one of the most diverse that can be found, ranging from coaches who have been a part of these communities for decades to coaches from Europe, Africa, and South America.

In terms of competition, we are currently members of the following leagues and asociations:

Carolina Champions League (CCL): a league consisting of teams of boys and girls from U9 to U19, it focuses on creating the opportunity to play meaningful games locally, without the need to travel several hours. Most games are played in the Sportsplex at Matthews.

South Carolina Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA): it is the National State Association for the US Soccer Federation (USSF) and the US Youth Soccer (USYS). Formed by many clubs in South Carolina, it gives our academy access to all levels of competitions and provides an integrated pathway of soccer opportunities.

South Atlantic Premier League (NPL): a member of the renowned National Premier Leagues (NPL), it is formed by 14 clubs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. It provides us with a highly competitive environment for our U13 through U19 top-tier boys team.

Players First Member License (US Club Soccer): Players First is a branded, holistic club soccer experience for parents and players, which emphasizes the development of each individual to his or her full potential, and helps parents make better choices about where their children should play.

In terms of competition, we are currently members of the following leagues and asociations:

Carolina Champions League (CCL): a league consisting of teams of boys and girls from U9 to U19, it focuses on creating the opportunity to play meaningful games locally, without the need to travel several hours. Most games are played in the Sportsplex at Matthews.

South Carolina Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA): it is the National State Association for the US Soccer Federation (USSF) and the US Youth Soccer (USYS). Formed by many clubs in South Carolina, it gives our academy access to all levels of competitions and provides an integrated pathway of soccer opportunities.

South Atlantic Premier League (NPL): a member of the renowned National Premier Leagues (NPL), it is formed by 14 clubs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. It provides us with a highly competitive environment for our U13 through U19 top-tier boys team.

Players First Member License (US Club Soccer): Players First is a branded, holistic club soccer experience for parents and players, which emphasizes the development of each individual to his or her full potential, and helps parents make better choices about where their children should play.

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23/24 Training Program

Central - Competitive Program

Age Group Training Competition Location Season Tryout Registration
Boys U11 - U16 3 x week Carolina Champions League
US Club Soccer
Alexander Graham Middle School & Matthews Sportsplex FULL YEAR TBD
Girls U11 - U16 3 x week Carolina Champions League
US Club Soccer
Alexander Graham Middle School & Matthews Sportsplex FULL YEAR TBD

Central - Competitive Program

Age Group Training Competition Location Season Tryout Registration
Boys U7 - U12 2 x week Carolina Champions League
US Club Soccer
Alexander Graham Middle School & Matthews Sportsplex FULL YEAR TBD
Girls U7 - U12 2 x week Carolina Champions League
US Club Soccer
Alexander Graham Middle School & Matthews Sportsplex FULL YEAR TBD

West Program

Age Group Training Competition Location Season Tryout Registration
Boys U7-U19 2 x week Carolina Champions League y SCYSA Field Day Park, Martha Rivers Full Year TBD
Girls U7-U19 2 or 3 x week Carolina Champions League y SCYSA Field Day Park, Martha Rivers Full Year TBD

NPL Program

Age Group Training Competition Location Season Tryout Registration
U13-U19 boys 3 x week National Premier League & Showcases Matthews Sportsplex Full Year TBD
U13-U19 Girls 3 x week National Premier League & Showcases Field Day Park & Matthews Sportsplex Full Year TBD
Facilities

Facilities

Matthews

Mattews Sportplex

1505 Tank Town Rd

Matthews,
NC 28105

Charlotte

Alexander Graham Middle School

Central

1800 Runnymede Ln

Charlotte,
NC 28211.

Charlotte

Ramblewood Soccer Complex

Central

10200 NaPons Ford Rd

Charlotte,
NC 28273.

Charlotte

Field Day Park At Lake Wylie

South

1101 Field Day Ln

Clover,
SC 29710.

Matthews

Mattews Sportplex

1505 Tank Town Rd

Matthews,
NC 28105

Charlotte

Alexander Graham Middle School

Central

1800 Runnymede Ln

Charlotte,
NC 28211.

Charlotte

Ramblewood Soccer Complex

Central

10200 NaPons Ford Rd

Charlotte,
NC 28273.

Charlotte

Field Day Park At Lake Wylie

South

1101 Field Day Ln

Clover,
SC 29710.

  Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Our Directors

Albert Aguilar

Albert Aguilar

Executive Director

Greco Urquia

Greco Urquia

Technical Director

Tyler Deaton

Tyler Deaton

West Program Director

Esteban Estrada

Esteban Estrada

Central Program Director U7-U13

Our Headcoaches

Jon Baxter

Jon Baxter

Luis Rueda

Luis Rueda

Steven Steele

Steven Steele

Junior Landry

Junior Landry

Luis Quintana

Luis Quintana

Information

Barça Soccer Academy follows the school year. The season begins in August and finishes in the beginning of June.

Carolina Champions League

Players First Initiative

South Atlantic Premier League

National Premier League

FAQ

  • What is Barça Academy?

    BARÇA​​ Academy is the official soccer academy of FC Barcelona. The main goal of ​BARÇA ​​Academy is to give players around the world the opportunity to learn the prestigious methodology and values of FC Barcelona.

  • What is the FC Barcelona Training Program?

    BARÇA​​ Academy offers an exclusive annual training program based on the unique ​BARÇA​​ style. Players will have the opportunity to learn the same successful methodology which developed players such as Messi, Iniesta or Piqué.

  • Is this an Official FC Barcelona Program?

    Yes, we are the official FC Barcelona training program in the United States. Any other clubs or organizations in Texas using the logo are not official.

  • What is the age range?

    Boys and Girls born between 2014 to 2001.

  • When does the program start?

    Training starts on August 6th for the Competitive program and the 13th of August for the Development program. Both conclude on June 9th.

  • What is the program calendar?

    Please visit the following LINK to see our yearly calendar.

  • Program format?

    The BARÇA Academy Carolinas has two different programs:

    ■ Development.

    ■ Competitive Academy & Select.

  • Does the BARÇA Academy have a specific GK program?

    Yes, the BARÇA Academy has a GK program for all of those aspiring goalkeepers. The training is GK specific, and second to none.

  • Competition difference between age groups?

    U4 to U8 players compete in an internal competition league designed and organized by FCB, along with tournaments and friendly matches. Players U9 and up compete in external leagues, tournaments and internal competitions throughout the year.

  • How can I join the program?

    There are two ways to be part of BARÇA Academy Carolinas.

    ■ 1) Attend an upcoming scheduled tryout to be evaluated and placed on a team.

    ■ 2) Register for the weekly Technical and Development program.

  • What is the tryout process?

    The official tryout will be held on May (day TBD).

    ○ If offered a spot for the BARÇA Academy, you will receive a welcome email notifying the player of being accepted with additional key information.

    ○ During the year, the BARÇA Academy Carolinas offer Player Opportunity Events, the next one is on December 15th.

  • Who are the coaches?

    An official FC Barcelona Technical Director, from Barcelona is living in Carolinas for the entire year to conduct the weekly training sessions and teach the techniques of one of the most successful academies. Along with him, local coaches and other highly qualified coaches from Spain are coaching in the BARÇA Academy Carolinas.

  • What is the player/coach ratio?

    For U12 and below, we aim to keep a 12 to 1 player to coach ratio for training. For U13 and up, we aim to keep a 15 to 1 player to coach ratio.

  • Coach Rotation?

    Throughout the season, coaches might rotate between teams and age groups. This exposes them to more players in the BARÇA Academy, and provides the players the opportunity to learn the same methodology through different coaching styles.

  • How are the groups formed?

    Teams are formed based on age group and level of the players. Upon being accepted into the Academy, the Technical Director determines movement and placement of players on teams based on their current level of play and developmental needs.

    ○ After a player is accepted into the BARÇA†Academy, they will receive notification about team training days and times. During the first two weeks of August, there is another evaluation period of the players in order to make any additional adjustments based on Technical Director’s evaluations of the players.

  • How many tournaments per year?

    The number of tournaments per year will vary depending on age groups and the developmental needs of the teams.

  • Does BARÇA Academy Carolinas participate in an International Tournament?

    The BARÇA Academy Carolinas participates in the BARÇA Academy World Cup. This tournament is held in the FC Barcelona HQ.

  • Do you offer accomodation?

    No, we do not offer accomodation for the year around program.

  • Will the players have the opportunity to train in Barcelona?

    Several players from each program will be selected to train at the FC Barcelona HQ in Barcelona and participate at the FCB International Tournaments.

  • What is the cost of the program?

    Please click here to see program details and cost. Fees include training and league competitions. Tournament and uniform costs are NOT included.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    When joining BARÇA Academy Carolinas, there is a non-refundable commitment fee that secures your child’s spot. The remaining balance is broken up into installment payments.

  • Are there any discounts available?

    There is a 15% sibling discount.

  • Uniforms?

    Uniforms will be purchased through www.soccer.com. When ordering window opens, families will purchase required items through soccer.com and orders will be delivered to your house.

Contact

Albert Aguilar– Barça Academy Carolinas
+1 (980) 202-8446‬
carolinas@fcbarcelona.us
Office hours: 9am - 6pm (M-F)

Drop us a line