CARA Trip to Spain & Portugal
Both teams had trainings this morning at the Real Madrid Academy. It was clear from the moment we pulled up in the bus and were waved through by a security guard, this wasn't going to be like any normal CASL practice at WRAL. The boys got off the bus and instantly got a glimpse of the luxurious facilities. Fountains, beautiful landscaping and impressive buildings surrounded them at every turn.
The players and CASL staff were escorted in the building to get ready for their sessions with coaches from the Real Madrid Foundation (http://www.realmadrid.com/en/about-real-madrid/foundation). The parents, meanwhile, were taken upstairs to the cafe lounge where you could order coffees, beverages and assortment of food while waiting during the training session. The large room overlooked all of the practice fields - definitely a different experience than standing around the sidelines.
Each team had their own two hour training on one of the turf practice fields. The Real Madrid coaches led them through a series of drills, small sided games and ended with a PK shoot out.
After the session ended, both groups of parents and players were given a tour of the facility. Kids start as young as 6 years old, and players from the First Team even train at the same complex. Each age group has their own locker rooms and facilities (6-12, 13-18, Real Madrid Castillo and First Team). As the players progress through the program they move from one floor to the next - constantly motivated to (literally) get to the next level.
Real Madrid Castillo is the first level of professional football at the Academy. Players aged 16-23 can be invited onto the team and play in the Spanish leagues at either the tier 2 or tier 3 level depending on how they perform.
The Academy also has residential facilities for kids 13+ to live on-site, attend classes and train. These are primarily kids from outside of Madrid. Those who live locally attend their local schools and train in the evenings. The First Team also has a residential facility. Before each match, the players arrive to their own rooms to mentally prepare and get ready for the match the next day. No family members or friends are allowed to accompany them.
The Railhawk Academy boys certainly got a unique glimpse into life as a footballer from their visit today!
joycew23
12 chapters
16 Apr 2020
Training at Real Madrid Academy
April 09, 2017
|
Madrid
Both teams had trainings this morning at the Real Madrid Academy. It was clear from the moment we pulled up in the bus and were waved through by a security guard, this wasn't going to be like any normal CASL practice at WRAL. The boys got off the bus and instantly got a glimpse of the luxurious facilities. Fountains, beautiful landscaping and impressive buildings surrounded them at every turn.
The players and CASL staff were escorted in the building to get ready for their sessions with coaches from the Real Madrid Foundation (http://www.realmadrid.com/en/about-real-madrid/foundation). The parents, meanwhile, were taken upstairs to the cafe lounge where you could order coffees, beverages and assortment of food while waiting during the training session. The large room overlooked all of the practice fields - definitely a different experience than standing around the sidelines.
Each team had their own two hour training on one of the turf practice fields. The Real Madrid coaches led them through a series of drills, small sided games and ended with a PK shoot out.
After the session ended, both groups of parents and players were given a tour of the facility. Kids start as young as 6 years old, and players from the First Team even train at the same complex. Each age group has their own locker rooms and facilities (6-12, 13-18, Real Madrid Castillo and First Team). As the players progress through the program they move from one floor to the next - constantly motivated to (literally) get to the next level.
Real Madrid Castillo is the first level of professional football at the Academy. Players aged 16-23 can be invited onto the team and play in the Spanish leagues at either the tier 2 or tier 3 level depending on how they perform.
The Academy also has residential facilities for kids 13+ to live on-site, attend classes and train. These are primarily kids from outside of Madrid. Those who live locally attend their local schools and train in the evenings. The First Team also has a residential facility. Before each match, the players arrive to their own rooms to mentally prepare and get ready for the match the next day. No family members or friends are allowed to accompany them.
The Railhawk Academy boys certainly got a unique glimpse into life as a footballer from their visit today!
Share your travel adventures like this!
Create your own travel blog in one step
Share with friends and family to follow your journey
Easy set up, no technical knowledge needed and unlimited storage!
