Top Youth Academies in world Football
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By Harleen Bedi and Aneeket Barua
Just like the Top B-Schools churn out best entrepreneurs and CEOs, top football players also graduate from the best football academies. These academies pick young kids with potential to be the best players and they train them till they are good enough to be sold to a major football club or are accepted by the academy's patron club.
Here are ten major football academies that train the best players around the world.
1. Ajax
The Dutch Football Association programme is doing a great job to develop their footballers, as the Dutch institute, Ajax is at the number one spot of football academies in the world. Football legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, Frank De Boer, and former Arsenal star Dennis Bergkamp are from this academy. The Netherlands’ entire national team comes through the Ajax academy at some stage or another.
2. La Masia
La Masia is Barcelona's football training facilities. Current players like Cesc Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Jordi Alba, Carles Puyol, Pep Guardiola, and Lionel Messi were trained here. Similar to Ajax, a high percentage of the first team squad is made up from La Masia graduates. In 2012 Barcelona had 11 products of their academy on the field at the same time for a La Liga clash.
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3. Sporting
Sporting Lisbon has one of the world's best youth training facility's based in Alcochete. Famous names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Nani, Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho have progressed through the academy. Sporting’s academy currently has 39 titles to its name, the best in Portuguese history.
4. Manchester United
Manchester United is the most popular club in the world and their academy system matches the ManU brand of quality. Famous players include Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Gerard Pique, and Giuseppe Rossi. United has a strong management too with the likes of Solskjaer and Alex Ferguson.
5. West Ham United
One of West Ham’s nicknames is “The Academy”. It acquired a legendary status in England after they produced players like Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore, and Martin Peters. Paul Ince, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Glen Johnson, Jermain Defoe all these players have been West Ham produce. Tony Carr, the Director of Youth Development at West Ham, is one of the main reasons why their academy is so successful.
6. Los Blancos
This Real Madrid academy has produced several players over the years. Real has always sold several players who have gone on to become world class stars at other clubs. The club has now integrated some academy graduates into their team like Alvaro Morata, Jese and Nacho Fernandez. Famous players like Roberto Soldado, Juan Mata, Alvaro Morata, Jese and Nacho Fernandez, Iker Casillas were part of Los Blancos.
7. Feyenoord
Feyenoord has only recently been producing world-class talents who have been quoted with big transfer moves to Europe's elite. Robin van Persie and Jonathan De Guzman are the major products of the academy. Recent graduates like Bruno Martins Indin, Jordy Clasie and Stefan De Vrij have a lot of hopes riding on their careers.
8. Cotia Training Centre
Casemiro and Lucas Piazon, as well as Under-17 stars Boschilia and Auro are all among Brazil’s upcoming talents who are part of Cotia. The Sao Paulo club's graduates are among the leading contenders for youth titles in Brazil. Hernanes, Jean, Oscar, Lucas Moura, Breno, Cafu, Kaka, Rogerio Ceni, Antonio Carlos Zago are all recent products, while Kaka is perhaps the club's most famous graduate.
9. Arsenal
With the likes of Ray Parlour, Andy Cole, Ashley Cole, Jack Wilshere being graduated from this academy, Arsenal’s academy is undoubtedly considered one of the best in England. Player's such as Gedion Zelalem, Serge Gnabry, and Hector Bellerin has been grabbing all the headlines
10. Southampton
Several of the brightest talents in English football have emerged from the club over the past few years. Players graduating from this academy are Adam Lallana, Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Luke Shaw, Wayne Bridge, James Ward-Prowse. Southampton has invested 30 million GBP to redevelop their training ground in order to continue the club's progress which is the main reason behind them being currently on the top half of the Premier League.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Is Texas Wesleyan hard to get into?
As per the US News and World Report, Texas Wesleyan University acceptance rate is 58%. This shows that the university's admission process is relatively selective. Therefore, some students may find it harder to get into the university. Also, international students are advised to check the minimum eligibility for their courses before applying. Please note that the data on the acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Can I get into Oregon State with a 3.5 GPA?
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
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