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Our academy: An example to others
Gauteng province leaders visit RCD Espanyol to study club’s development model
Senior officials from Gauteng Province, South Africa, visited the headquarters of RCD Espanyol in Barcelona to learn about the club’s renowned youth development model. This initiative comes as part of a broader collaboration between the Spanish football club and the province, which already hosts the RCDE Academy Johannesburg, where over 300 young players are trained following RCD Espanyol’s methodology since 2022.
Representing RCD Espanyol were CEO Mao Ye and Deputy Director Antoni Alegre. From Gauteng Province, the delegation included the MEC of Sport Gauteng Provincial Government Mr. Chiloane, HOD Mr Mashinini and Mr. Bender, partner of RCD Espanyol in South Africa.
During their visit, the delegation explored the "Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque," RCD Espanyol's state-of-the-art training facility. Here, they met with Jaume Milà, Academy Director of Men’s Youth Football Development, and engaged with several professionals dedicated to nurturing young talent.
MEC Chiloane of the Gauteng Provincial Government department of Sport said: "The meeting with RCD Espanyol de Barcelona provides a promising partnership aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent in the RCDE Academy Johannesburg. The proposed collaboration with the Gauteng Provincial Government and RCD Espanyol will establish a presence in the province that fosters the development of future athletes. With the expertise of RCD Espanyol we could see the next generation of South African players playing in RCDE Barcelona one day". Toni Alegre, on his hand, said that “the visit from the Gauteng Ministry of Sports confirms the strong relationship between all parties and reinforces our shared commitment to further developing the successful youth development project that RCD Espanyol has had in the country since 2022. As pioneers, we are proud to be the first LaLiga club to establish a football academy in South Africa”.
This visit marks an important step in fostering international cooperation in sports education and highlights the mutual commitment to youth development through football.