All you need to know about FC Barcelona training sessions (2024)

Where do the Barça players train and how can you see them? This is one of the most popular questions from fans who come to the capital of Catalonia. I have prepared this short guide and I hope you will find it useful in the future when the pandemic is over and you can travel freely.

New Year’s training

Currently, there is only one way to see personally any FC Barcelona training live and this is the training that is traditionally taking place right after the New Year around January 6th. In 2021 it was, of course, impossible for pandemic reasons, but a year ago I was able to see it. The coronavirus didn’t come to Spain until February so there were no obstacles for the club to organize it back then.

The training itself consisted of three parts: a short run, the famous rondo which in England is known as “square” (regardless of the configuration, Messi was never inside), and a shooting training.

The whole event was more like a picnic for fans, especially the youngest ones. There was an MC who ran the whole event, there were songs, photos, etc. The fans also got Barça flags. The intensity of training was also not at the highest level, it was felt that it was more of a New Year’s start than the actual work. At the end the footballers kicked some balls into the stands as gifts for some lucky culers. Unfortunately, there was no option to take pictures with them, but I must admit that it is rare to have them so close, literally at your fingertips.

Tickets

The open training took place on January 5, 2020 and was announced much earlier, so anyone who wanted could actually plan it on their calendar. The tickets cost a few euros and they had disappeared from the website very quickly, but as it turned out, they could also be bought on the spot and the stands weren’t even full. Every ticket had a specific seat assigned to it, but in fact, everyone could move freely around the stadium, because it’s not Camp Nou. The players hardly ever train in the main stadium, last year such a thing happened only once.

Location and access

New Year’s training took place at Estadi Johan Cruyff, a smaller stadium where Barça B and Femeni play their matches. It is a stadium that replaced Mini Estadi and has only 6,000 seats, but it is enough.

IMPORTANT! The stadium is not in Barcelona ​​but in the adjacent town of Sant Joan Despi. As I mentioned before, the players don’t train at Camp Nou.

In terms of getting to Ciutat Esportiva, there are several options:

? I recommend the R1 train towards Molins de Rei or the R4 towards Sant Vicenç de Calders. You ride on a normal ticket in the first zone, and you can get on, for example, at the Arc de Triomf, Plaça Catalunya, or Sants station, so from almost every part of Barcelona.

? From around Camp Nou / Av. Diagonal you can also take the T3 tram or bus like L50 / L62.

Whatever your choice is, you will have to walk about 10 minutes from the station.

? By car it is approx. 20-30 minutes depending on where you are in Barcelona. A taxi will cost around 20-30 EUR, just like from the airport.

How to score a photo with a Barça player?

If you have time, strong will, and above all, patience, you can try to catch one of the players before or after the training. Nowadays they take place nearly every day, now usually around 11:00 am. The players must arrive at Ciutat approx. 60-90 minutes before the scheduled time and usually start leaving the center two hours after training.

You will always meet a large crowd at the gate of the resort (where the Aldi market is) at this time, but I do not recommend waiting there. Due to a large number of people, footballers relatively rarely stop there after training, and practically never when they are in a hurry. Plus, a large number of people means that even if someone stops, it can be physically hard to reach them. Unless you want to wrestle with teenagers, I recommend you to try another secret place at the roundabout near Ciutat.

This is where footballers are often stopped by the lights, so it’s easier to catch the desired selfies. Frenkie, Busquets, Dest, Trincao, Umtiti, and, above all the most important one, Leo Messi, drive-by. And, importantly, they don’t usually run on red like Dembele ?

Of course, a lot depends on luck, because rarely any of the players make a special stop, the only exception here is Martin Braithwaite, who often stands patiently at the side of the road for even a few minutes and is generally the most approachable player for fans.

Można umierać ?@MartinBraith pic.twitter.com/rHwKH186cn

— Adrian Bialkowski (@A_Bialkowski) December 7, 2020

Trainings under Rijkaard and Guardiola

What was it like in the past? On this matter, I talked for a while with Michał Zawada from Penya Varsovia, who attended several training sessions during the times of Rijkaard and Guardiola.

Under Rijkaard, the training sessions were still held at Camp Nou, on the north side near Accés 1 and the former La Masia pitch, where there is a car park now. It was possible to view them practically freely through the net, and only when the work on tactical issues started the security asked you out of the stadium.

The training sessions back then were quite short and very intense, lots of rondos and shooting training with a moving ball. Interestingly, Rijkaard himself often took part in the games and he also did not give up. Michał recalls that he once brutally tackled Thiago Motta with a slide for the fact that he had netted him in an earlier action.

Under Guardiola, smaller and larger rondos became the basis of training. He emphasized specific situations, e.g., attack or defense in advantages, everything ended with shots. Pep also put emphasis on short and long passing, which we also often saw in pre-match warm-ups.

Guardiola was also the one who decided to close the training for spectators and the media, so the best team in the history of football could only be seen at the open training sessions held every few months.

Currently, as I mentioned, it is only possible once a year and that surely won’t change anytime soon.

It cannot be denied that the distance between Barça’s stars and ordinary people is increasing. Even 10 years ago, while watching the Barça B game, you could exchange a few words with Luis Enrique, or take a photo with Messi just as our friend Arek has. Almost impossible now.

All you need to know about FC Barcelona training sessions (1)

To sum up, I will say that the challenge may be bigger now, but the satisfaction from scoring a selfie with one of the stars is bigger, too! I hope my article will help you, and if so don’t forget to tag #9CAMPNOU on social media. Good luck!

PS No, I don’t have a photo with Messi yet. But maybe I’ll be lucky someday ? If I ever will surely you’ll find it on my instagram, go follow!

All you need to know about FC Barcelona training sessions (2024)

FAQs

How long are Barcelona training sessions? ›

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona Players usually train for 2 to 3 hours per day after workout. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both are football world class players, they usually train for 2-4 hours per day.

Can you watch Barcelona training sessions? ›

Training sessions are held behind closed doors at the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí. If any sessions are open to the general public, the club will announce this beforehand on its website at www.fcbarcelona.cat.

How much does FC Barcelona Academy cost? ›

Apart from paying $75,900 tuition to live on-site, if they chose, players have to either be recruited or try out. It's a system that was already built in 2011 as a Real Salt Lake City academy before FC Barcelona took over.

What is Barcelona's training ground called? ›

Located in Sant Joan Despí it is used by the football youth teams and many of the youth teams of the other professional sections. The Ciutat Esportiva's final cost was some 68 million euros, of which 25.6 corresponded to urbanisation and 42.5 to the total construction costs.

How often do Barcelona players train? ›

Nowadays they take place nearly every day, now usually around 11:00 am. The players must arrive at Ciutat approx. 60-90 minutes before the scheduled time and usually start leaving the center two hours after training.

Does FC Barcelona have tryouts? ›

Players are divided into teams by level and age. Registration by official tryouts.

Do players train on matchday? ›

Footballers generally do not train on match day. Their time is spent instead relaxing, taking on board the proper pre-match meal (most big clubs now have a nutritionist on their staff) and preparing themselves mentally for the match ahead.

How many training sessions do soccer players have? ›

Most amateur teams will have one or two team sessions a week throughout the season that cover the tactical and technical training and some of the physical.

How much does it cost to watch FC Barcelona? ›

FC Barcelona ticket prices for the current soccer season are starting at $105.00 and going up as high as $2930.00. The average ticket for a match this season will generally cost around $449.20. UEFA Europa League - Knockout Round Playoffs: Manchester United FC vs.

Is Barca Academy worth it? ›

Great environment for the kids and lots of supervision. Coaches are the best!! and with the nutrition, fitness and therapy programs, it is a great institution to be part of. This is my son's third year with Barça Residency Academy and we look forward to continue next season for his senior Year.

What is the best soccer academy in USA? ›

Top Soccer Training Academies In The USA
  • Barca Residence Academy. ...
  • US Elite Soccer Academy. ...
  • DV7 Soccer Academy. ...
  • USA Stars Soccer Academy. ...
  • Sevilla FC Soccer Academy. ...
  • Kaptiva Sports Academy, Florida. ...
  • Barcelona Soccer Excellence Academy. ...
  • Chicago Soccer Academy.
Mar 25, 2022

Do Barcelona academy players get paid? ›

The answer is yes, Academy players get paid.

What is Barcelona style soccer? ›

This style of play that Barcelona and other Spanish teams use has come to be known as Tiki-Taka, which loosely translates to “touch-touch” and refers to the rapid, precise passing style that allows teams to maintain possession for large portions of the match.

What is Barcelona's youth academy called? ›

La Masia | Official FC Barcelona Website.

How long does Messi train per day? ›

When he isn't playing a match, Messi has team training around 5 pm, which can last for several hours and may include various activities.

How many hours do footballers sleep? ›

Aim for Seven to Nine Hours

How much sleep do athletes need? Pro athletes typically need more than most—it's recommended that they get 8-10 hours every night.

How many days do Academy players train? ›

Football Academy Players train 2 times during the mid week, learning skills and techniques. On the weekend (normally a Sunday), Football Academy Players will play a football match against another academy team. Up to 28 football matches in any 1 season.

What age can you join Barcelona? ›

What is the age range? Boys and girls between 6 and 16 years old are welcomed at the FC Barcelona training program.

How do you get selected for soccer tryouts? ›

Soccer Tryouts: 5 Tips to Increase Your Odds of Making the Team
  1. Arrive Early, Work Hard. Show up early and stay late. ...
  2. Be a Great Teammate. When coming to a new team as a young player, your role is likely going to be small. ...
  3. Accentuate Your Strengths. You're not going to be good at every skill. ...
  4. Be Coachable. ...
  5. Be Vocal.
Feb 4, 2022

How do you try out for Barcelona Academy? ›

Would you like to be part of Barça Escola Barcelona?
  1. You have to pass the entry exams.
  2. You have to be between 6 and 12 years old. In the case of basketball, you can register from 4 years old.
  3. You and your family must be living in Catalunya.

What not to do before a soccer game? ›

Remember, the foods to avoid before game time are fat and fiber. Both can slow down digestion, making it more difficult for your body to access the carbohydrates needed to fuel you on the field. Fried foods and high-fat meats are a few examples of foods to avoid.

Do footballers eat before match? ›

To get the optimal performance, players need to be fuelled up, so they fill the matchday menu with nutrients, carbohydrates and protein, as well as hydration. It is also important to note that the pre-match meal should be had at least three hours before the match.

What do soccer players do the day after a game? ›

After the cooldown following the game, you can consider an active recovery later that day or the next day. These activities can include aquatic exercise, light aerobic exercise, regenerative yoga or other low-impact activities to increase circulation and decrease muscle soreness.

How often do D1 soccer players train? ›

How Often Do They Train? Generally, teams train four days per week, but can have up to two sessions on each of those days!

How do you plan a soccer training session? ›

How to Organize a Training Session
  1. Organize The Equipment (Bibs, Balls And Cones)
  2. Coach Only One Team At A Time To Avoid Confusion.
  3. Coach (Affect The Attitude) Of Each Individual Player In That Team.
  4. Stick To The Same Theme.
Jul 31, 2020

How many times a day do soccer players train? ›

On average, professional soccer teams practice for 4 – 6 hours a day for 5 days a week. If you want to become a professional football player, you should aim to practice for about the same amount of hours per week.

Is it hard to get El Clasico tickets? ›

Naturally tickets for El Clasico are rarer than gold dust… I mean anyone can grind up a bit of gold into small particles, but show me the man with a spare ticket to FC Barcelona vs. Madrid! Your best bet is to study La Liga schedule and buy your tickets through a reputable ticket booking agency ahead of time.

How easy is it to get Barcelona tickets? ›

How and where to buy FC Barcelona tickets? You can easily buy FC Barcelona tickets on our website by going to the match page you want to see at Camp Nou stadium. Just look at the information, select the category and number of seats you want, then follow the secure online purchase procedure.

How much is Barcelona membership? ›

Currently in 2022, the socio membership fee costs 195 EUR per year, paid in full in December or January of every year.

What is the best youth soccer academy in the world? ›

Top 7 Best Summer Soccer Camps in the World in Summer 2023
  • Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools.
  • Manchester City Football Camps Programs.
  • Liverpool FC Football Camps UK.
  • Barça Academy Clinic (FC Barcelona)
  • Fundación Real Madrid Campus Experience.
  • AC Milan Academy Junior Camps.
  • Paris Saint Germain Academy Camp.

Which academy is best for football? ›

Ranking the Best Youth Academies in World Football
  • Santos. 8 of 15.
  • Partizan Belgrade. 7 of 15. ...
  • Southampton. 6 of 15. ...
  • Real Madrid. 5 of 15. ...
  • Stade Rennais. 4 of 15. Ian Walton/Getty Images. ...
  • Feyenoord. 3 of 15. EuroFootball/Getty Images. ...
  • Anderlecht. 2 of 15. Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images. ...
  • Right to Dream. 1 of 15. Adam Pretty/Getty Images. ...

How many Barca academies are in the US? ›

FC Barcelona's Youth Residency Soccer Academy in the USA. Barça Residency Academy USA is world-renowned soccer club FC Barcelona's first and only youth residency soccer Barca Academy in the US. Located at Grande Sports World – the Center for Excellence in youth soccer development and education in the United States.

What US state has the best youth soccer? ›

8 reasons California is arguably the best youth soccer state. Cali is diverse with people from South and Central America, Asia, and Europe. This adds futbol culture. Great weather year-round is helpful for any outdoor sport.

What is the best age to join a soccer academy? ›

Normally one of the best ages to join an academy is around 13. As Pro Contracts can be given from the age of 16 and 18, is better to join before this age. However, every situation is different.

What is the highest level of youth soccer in the US? ›

The National League, which held its inaugural season in 2007-08, is the national tier and highest level of competition in the US Youth Soccer Leagues Program.

Should I let my son join a football academy? ›

Being a footballer is your child's dream

If they are football mad and want to play the sport for a living, then having them join a professional club at a young age is the most likely route to success given the improvements they'll undergo as a player working with some of the best academy coaches in the world.

How do I get my son scouted for football? ›

Get yourself in a Sunday football league

Football scouts regularly attend county games to find new talent from a young age, so you need to be on the pitch showing them what you can do. Over time, providing you're consistent in your approach and show talent, you may then be invited to trials for a professional club.

What percentage of academy players make it? ›

Less than 30% of academy players receive a professional contract at some point in their career, despite potentially playing for the club's youth system for up to nine years.

What is the most loved club? ›

Real Madrid stands to be the most popular football club in the world now. They have the highest number of fans till now. They have 99.5 million followers on Instagram.

Which club is the best for money? ›

Manchester City have retained their status as the world's richest football club, according to the latest edition of the Deloitte Football Money League, which underlines the dominance of the Premier League.

What is the most expensive training ground in the world? ›

The Socceroos' $1.3bn Qatar training base is beyond luxurious, but also a symbol of World Cup's wider issues | World Cup 2022 | The Guardian.

What are the 3 P's in soccer? ›

Position, possession and play were Guardiola's three mantras, according to Henry, who played under the Spaniard at Barcelona between 2008 and 2010, winning the treble and another La Liga title at the Nou Camp.

What does a false 9 mean? ›

A false nine is a centre-forward who repeatedly moves towards the ball in deeper positions from a high starting position, often dropping to receive centrally. The main intention is to get on the ball away from the opposition centre-backs – and, in doing so, to draw players out of position and disrupt the defence.

Who broke tiki-taka? ›

The first goal using this system is considered to be the Sergio Ramos goal in the qualifying match for UEFA Euro 2008, played in Aarhus (Denmark) on October 13, 2007. The play involved 9 players making 28 passes with 65 touches over 75 seconds. Spain went on to win the competition.

How much do you pay for Barca academy? ›

The raw cost of sending a player to Barça Residency is in excess of $70,000 a year. For many players, that is beyond what the family can afford. The saving grace at Barça Residency is the scholarship program.

How much is Barcelona academy fee? ›

Alongside this, there's a fee for registration which is 13,500 naira, not a lot considering the fact that a billion things will be gained during the course.

How much is Barca academy USA? ›

It costs over $70,000 a year to put a player through the programme. Fortunately, the player's families have access to financial aid. Every year Barcelona Residency Academy have spent $2.5million in scholarships across all ten of their teams, with an emphasis on the top four academy sides.

How long is an average football training session? ›

Normally, one training session lasts about 90 minutes or two hours.

How long is a training session? ›

One hour is the standard and most popular time for an experienced or beginner personal training session.

How long is Messi training daily? ›

When he isn't playing a match, Messi has team training around 5 pm, which can last for several hours and may include various activities.

How long is a soccer training session? ›

Usually, a traditional team training session that you, your coach or a teammate has organised will last about 90 minutes to two hours. Typically, this will involve a warm-up, tactical and technical training, a practice match and a cool down to finish.

How do you prepare for a football training session? ›

  1. Warm Up: (Time: 5-10 Mins) Practise composed of players moving without opposition, at their own speed and ability. ...
  2. Activation/Technical & Skill Based: (Time: 15 – 20 Mins) Add pressure: a time a limit, a defender or a specific execution or technique.
Aug 4, 2019

How many times a week should I train for football? ›

In football you tend to train the players hard in the gym during pre-season and then maintain their fitness throughout the rest of the season. Two to three sessions per week is ideal for that.

What are 3 stages of a training session? ›

In the broadest view, there are three phases of a training process: planning, implementation, and evaluation. The planning phase encompasses several activities, two of which - training needs identification and curriculum development - are very important. Training Needs Identification.

What are the 4 parts of a training session? ›

Training sessions should be developed from two or three goals that have been identified for that session. The elements of a training session that all coaches should include are: session introduction • warm-up • skill and fitness activities • cool-down • review.

Is training 3 times a week enough? ›

Experts recommend exercising at least three times a week to maintain good health. Many people choose to workout more than the minimum recommended number of days, but busy people should not feel guilty for exercising only three days a week.

At what time does Messi sleep? ›

Afterwards, Messi heads to complete his daily afternoon training and workout sessions. He trains for several hours with his teammates in the evenings if there is no match. After that, around 8:00 PM, he eats dinner with his family. Then, at 9:00 PM, he goes to sleep.

What time does Messi wake up? ›

Leo Messi gets up at 6 o'clock. Then he have breakfast, he eats some toasts and cereals accompanied of orange juice. Later he gets dressed and he brush his teeth.

Who trains more Messi or Ronaldo? ›

Lionel Messi is more talented, but Cristiano Ronaldo works harder to make the best of himself. It's a common belief spouted when discussing the merits of two of football's greats, but it's not the case according to a former teammate of both.

How many times a week do you train soccer? ›

MY RECOMMENDATIONS. Soccer player: 2-3 times (20-40 mins per workout) a week alongside your team training and matches. Non-athlete: 3-5 times (30-45 mins per workout) a week.

How many times a day should I practice soccer? ›

Even pros don't train everyday. Key Point #1 - Create a weekly schedule that includes at least 1 day off a week. If your “it” is to make it to the next level and you are hungry to improve then I'd suggest training a maximum of 5-6 days a week, 1-3 hours a day.

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