Taguig City, Philippines – Barça Academy Manila officially inaugurated its new home at the Arca South Football Field, marking a major milestone for FC Barcelona’s global youth football network and for the growth of grassroots football in the Philippines.
The event was graced by Barça Legend and current Barça Academy Sports Director Sergi Barjuan, alongside Fran Pujol, Technical Head of Barça Academy Asia & Middle East. Their presence underscored the club’s deep commitment to developing Filipino youth through the Barça Way—a football philosophy that blends technical excellence with the core values of respect, effort, ambition, teamwork, and humility.
Fresh from celebrating its first anniversary and the completion of its new home pitch, Barça Academy Manila welcomed hundreds of young footballers and families who gathered for the historic occasion. The day featured friendly matches, a community picnic, and a ceremonial opening that turned the Arca South grounds into a lively celebration of passion, teamwork, and unity.
“This inauguration represents a lasting commitment to Filipino youth—giving them the chance to learn, grow, and live under the model and the values that define FC Barcelona,” said Joel Llinas, Local Project Director of Barça Academy Manila.
Through the Academy, Filipino players gain access to FC Barcelona’s global training network and unique opportunities such as the Barça Academy World Cup in Barcelona and elite training camps at La Masia, the club’s famed youth development center that produced football greats like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi Hernández.
Beyond Metro Manila, the Academy has already begun expanding its reach with regional camps held in Cebu and an upcoming program in Davao this December, reflecting its goal to nurture talent nationwide.
Barça Academy Manila is part of FC Barcelona’s network of more than 30 academies worldwide, which train tens of thousands of young players each year. These programs don’t just focus on technical skill but also emphasize personal growth, discipline, and the joy of the game—the very principles that define the club’s success both on and off the pitch.
With its new home at Arca South, Barça Academy Manila aims to continue inspiring the next generation of Filipino footballers to dream big, play with purpose, and live the beautiful game the Barça way.
