April 17 – Spain’s Villarreal CF continues its quiet infiltration of the US youth soccer market with the opening of an academy in Hailey, Idaho—marking the club’s 14th affiliated academy in North America.
This new academy aims to further expand the renowned Villarreal methodology throughout the country’s developing soccer landscape.
The Idaho Academy will open its doors between June 2-5, beginning the talent identification process. These sessions will be led by Villarreal-affiliated coaches, who will select players to train under the club’s established technical framework. The program emphasizes physical, mental, and emotional development in line with the standards applied at its professional training center in Spain.
With competition to discover new talent becoming more cut-throat each year, Villarreal is finding that localized partnerships with permanent facilities are key drivers in creating loyalty and discovering hidden gems. These academies also generate international brand recognition, access to emerging youth markets, provide soft-market entry for future commercial or media partnerships, and most importantly, strengthen cultural and sporting ties between Spain and host countries.
Luis Monjaras, Director of Villarreal Idaho Academy, said, “Collaborating with Villarreal CF is a great advantage for everyone involved. We aim to offer fun, engaging opportunities for young players to develop their skills—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
The La Liga club has established academies not only throughout North America but also in Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Kuwait, UAE, Thailand, and Uruguay, arguably creating one of the most extensive youth academy systems in the world.
Fun Fact about Idaho: Idaho is home to the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon, which at 7,993 feet deep is even deeper than the Grand Canyon! This impressive natural landmark follows along the border between Idaho and Oregon, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and potentially inspiring the next generation of Villarreal soccer players with its breathtaking landscapes.
To contact the write of this story, Nick Webster, email moc.l1744985663labto1744985663ofdlr1744985663owedi1744985663sni@o1744985663fni1744985663