Real Madrid Foundation takes over Barcelona academies in India, operations to begin in first week of August

Real Madrid Foundation has decided to take over Barcelona’s football academies in India after the latter rounded up its operations in the country this month. Starting in the first week of August, Real Madrid Foundation Football Program will train 4,500 enthusiastic across 30 youth academies in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, under the Educational Football Program. “We are excited to bring Real Madrid’s rich football heritage and world-class training methodologies to India. This initiative aims to inspire and develop young football talent, fostering a new generation of football stars,” Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno, who currently works as the club’s Director of Real Madrid Institutional Relations, said. Real Madrid Foundation Football Program, called La Fabrica, has produced some of Spain’s best players, including club legend Raul and FIFA World Cup 2010 winner Iker Casillas. Earlier this month, Barcelona announced on its website that it was shutting all its academies in India, leaving the future of the already enrolled kids hanging in the air. “FC Barcelona have informed the families involved in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune will cease to operate as Barca Academies from 1 July 2024,” the club said in a statement. “Barcelona’s presence in India began back in 2010 and since then thousands of youngsters have learned to play football in the Barca style and with the Club’s values. Kriti Jain Gupta, Director of Conscient Sports, said, “This collaboration will elevate the football training landscape in India, providing young players with unparalleled opportunities to grow and excel. Moreover, select players from these academies will also get to travel to the RMF Clinic and Challenge Cup at the Real Madrid Foundation facility in Spain. The new coaching team will comprise professionals from the Real Madrid Foundation and Conscient Football (exclusive partner with Real Madrid from India) and multiple Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) licensed coaches.
How Real Madrid Foundation plan to revolutionise football in India through its foundation

Real Madrid Foundation will start operating in India from the first week of August 2024 through four centres in which they plan t train 4,500 players.
Real Madrid Foundation starts football Program in India

Real Madrid Foundation, in partnership with Conscient Sports, will take over FC Barcelona’s academies, that were shut down in July 2024, and continue to impart training to budding footballers
Real Madrid Foundation’s ambitious plan to transform football in India

Real Madrid Foundation are opening a grassroot programme, in partnership with Conscient Sports, for the first time in India. Check out the launch date of the programme and the initial structure of the project.
Real Madrid to Inaugurate Football Program in India Following Barcelona’s Withdrawal

In a significant shift in the football landscape, Real Madrid Foundation has announced that it will assume control of Barcelona’s football academies in India after the latter’s unexpected closure earlier this month. Starting from the first week of August, Real Madrid will embark on a mission to train 4,500 eager young footballers across 30 academies situated in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, all part of their comprehensive Educational Football Program. Emilio Butragueno, a club legend and currently the Director of Real Madrid Institutional Relations, expressed his excitement about this new venture: “We are thrilled to introduce Real Madrid Foundation’s illustrious football heritage and superior training methodologies to the Indian subcontinent. This initiative is designed to nurture and inspire the young football talent here, paving the way for the next generation of football superstars.” Real Madrid Foundation Football Program, has a storied track record of producing some of the best talent in Spanish football, including illustrious figures such as Raul and FIFA World Cup 2010 champion Iker Casillas. Earlier this month, FC Barcelona took to its official website to inform that it would be shutting down its academies in India, creating uncertainty for many young players previously enrolled. “FC Barcelona has notified families in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune that operations will cease as Barca Academies from July 1, 2024,” the statement confirmed. It also mentioned that Barcelona’s involvement in India began in 2010, offering thousands of youngsters the chance to learn the beautiful game in the renowned Barca style, steeped in the club’s core values. The takeover by Real Madrid Foundation is poised to bring a sense of relief to the affected youth, as they will now have the opportunity to partake in prestigious international youth tournaments including the Singa Cup in Singapore, the Super Cup in Dubai, and the Asia Pacific Cup hosted in India. Kriti Jain Gupta, Director of Conscient Sports, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This partnership will transform the football training scene in India, providing unparalleled opportunities for young players to develop and shine on both national and international stages.” Furthermore, select players from the new Football Program will have the opportunity to travel to Spain for the prestigious RMF Clinic and Challenge Cup, which will be held at Real Madrid’s state-of-the-art facilities. The incoming coaching team will include seasoned professionals from the Real Madrid Foundation alongside certified coaches licensed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), in collaboration with Conscient Football, the exclusive partner of Real Madrid in India.
Real Madrid Foundation to kick off India ops Aug 1st week

NEW DELHI: At the launch of the jersey for India, Real Madrid Foundation announced the commencement of its operations in India, starting the first week of August. Conscient Sports, the exclusive partner of the Real Madrid Foundation in India, will lead this transformative football program across the country. Four major cities to host initial launchReal Madrid Foundation will kick off its operations in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, establishing a network of 30 centres dedicated to nurturing future football stars. These centres will serve as hubs of football excellence, offering state-of-the-art training and development facilities to aspiring young players. “We are excited to bring Real Madrid’s rich football heritage and world-class training methodologies to India. This initiative aims to inspire and develop young football talent, fostering a new generation of football stars,” said Emilio Butragueno, legend, director of Real Madrid Institutional Relations, and official spokesperson. Extensive training programs for 4,500 playersStarting in August, these centers will train 4,500 players who are eager to enhance their skills and passion for football. The coaching team, comprising experienced professionals from the Real Madrid Foundation and Conscient Football, includes multiple Asian Football Confederation and All India Football Federation licensed coaches. Additionally, all the coaches are trained in the Real Madrid methodology and certified by the Real Madrid Foundation. They will be supported by technical directors from the Real Madrid Foundation, holding UEFA Pro licenses, who will be permanently stationed in India to ensure top-notch training standards. There will also be a strong fraternity of visiting Technical Heads from RMF, elevating, enriching, and upgrading the technical skills on a continuous basis. “We are immensely proud to partner with the Real Madrid Foundation. This collaboration will elevate the football training landscape in India, providing young players with unparalleled opportunities to grow and excel,” expressed Kriti Jain Gupta, Director of Conscient Sports. Future expansion and growth plansOver the next couple of years, the Real Madrid Foundation plans to expand its footprint by opening new centres in additional cities, and further enhancing training facilities. With such expansions, the foundation expects to welcome many more players, significantly increasing the total number of active trainees. This growth reflects the rising interest in football among young Indians. Global exposure through prestigious tournaments and exchange programsThe Real Madrid Foundation ensures comprehensive development by offering players the chance to participate in prestigious international tournaments such as the Singa Cup in Singapore, the Super Cup in Dubai, and the Asia Pacific Cup hosted in India. These events provide invaluable exposure to global standards and competitive experiences. Exclusive visits to the Real Madrid facility in SpainAs part of the commitment to excellence, selected players will have the unique opportunity to participate in the RMF Clinic and Challenge Cup at the Real Madrid facility in Spain. This visit will allow players to train at world-class facilities and compete at higher levels, enriching their football journey.