LEESBURG, VIRGINIA – April 3, 2017 – Global soccer powerhouse, FC Barcelona, announced the official launch of the FC Barcelona ESCOLA Northern Virginia (FCBEscola) through their partnership with Sporting Global. April 22 is the unveiling of the FCBEscola Northern Virginia kicking off a series of events leading up to the high-profile match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United at FedEx Field on July 26 as part of the International Champions Cup 2017 US edition.
“Our school in Northern Virginia will allow FC Barcelona to deliver our official developmental methodology to one of the most exciting youth soccer areas in the United States. Our playing style and commitment to the proper development of youth players has produced world-class players, such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Xavi and many others. We see a great promise in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia,” said Franc Carbó, FCBEscola Director, FC Barcelona.
The one of a kind, world-class program in Northern Virginia will host player evaluations and open tryouts April 22-29 at Evergreen Sportsplex for boys and girls ages 6-18 years old who want to join the world’s most successful youth development system. FC Barcelona Technical Directors will evaluate approximately 2,000 players throughout the week further enriching this exclusive opportunity. Official training is expected to begin later in the year.
FC Barcelona former left-back, legend, and FCBEscola graduate, Sergi Barjuan, will also come from Spain to attend this important event. He will be present on April 22 at Evergreen Sportsplex to greet players and families during the open tryouts, and assist with the evaluation process. Sergi played 9 seasons with FC Barcelona and won 9 major titles including La Liga, Spanish Copa Del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and several UEFA championships. He also represented the Spanish National Team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Euro 1996, 1998 World Cup, and Euro 2000 for a total of 56 cups, and was a coach for Barcelona’s youth team.
FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most powerful sports organizations, has partnered with Sporting Global – a global sports management company – to launch FCBEscola Northern Virginia. This program provides players an exclusive opportunity to learn the same methodology and values from the unmatched Barça style and philosophy that is recognized as being the world leader in youth development. In 2016, there were 43 professional soccer players currently competing that were trained under the club’s youth system.
The FCBEscola Northern Virginia will be led by a full-time, senior Technical Director from FC Barcelona and will be assisted by a team of FCBEscola coaches and staff members who will permanently relocate to Loudoun County for the upcoming tryouts.
“We are thrilled to offer a world-class soccer experience to area youth right in Loudoun County,” stated Evergreen Sportsplex Managing Director, Chris Bourassa. “FC Barcelona recognizes there is talent in Northern Virginia and we are excited that they chose Evergreen Sportsplex as their venue. The athletes that attend the FCBEscola will be trained under the best soccer methodology in the world. We couldn’t ask for a better opportunity for area soccer players.”
FC Barcelona has confirmed their 2017 pre-season tour of the United States. They play three matches – July 22 vs. Juventus in NYC, July 26 vs. Manchester United at FedEx field, and first ever El Clasico on US soil on July 29 vs. Real Madrid in Miami.
To learn more about the ESCOLA, please visit www.fcbarcelona.us. For more information about Sporting Global please visit www.sportingglobal.net. For more information regarding tryouts please call Evergreen Sportsplex at (703) 777-7800.