On October 8, 2024, FC Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, inaugurated the Barça Academy Bucharest, marking a significant milestone as it is the first academy in Romania. The academy, located at the Arcul de Triumf Sports Complex, opened its doors in September and has already attracted over 300 young players eager to learn the renowned Barcelona style of football.
Inauguration Highlights
During the inauguration ceremony, Laporta was joined by notable figures, including Florin Răducioiu, president of Barça Academy Romania and former Romanian international player, and Benny Megreli, project director for Barça Academy. Former national coach Edward Iordănescu was also present to lend support. Laporta expressed his enthusiasm for establishing the academy, emphasizing its role in nurturing young talent and promoting the values associated with FC Barcelona, such as respect, teamwork, and ambition.
The Barça Academy aims to instil in its students football skills and essential life values. The curriculum is designed to mirror FC Barcelona’s training methodologies, focusing on a creative and attacking playing style. Laporta highlighted that participants will have opportunities to compete in an annual international tournament among all Barça Academies worldwide, fostering a sense of global community among young athletes.
Laporta’s visit to Romania included meetings with various officials, including a session with Razvan Burleanu, president of the Romanian Football Federation. Discussions centred on enhancing football development in Romania through this new academy. The delegation also visited the Romanian Parliament and met with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who acknowledged the historical ties between Romania and FC Barcelona through legendary players like Gică Hagi and Gică Popescu.
Unfortunately, though, the two exceptional players missed the inauguration ceremony, uninvited.
The Bucharest Academy is now the 29th Barça Academy globally and the fifth in Europe, following similar establishments in cities such as Budapest and Istanbul.
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