What do Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi and players from the Hoover Soccer Club have in common? They are all part of the Barca Academy.

FC Barcelona, one of the largest football clubs in the world, is opening its seventh U.S. Barca Academy in Hoover.

The new youth academy is a partnership with the Hoover Soccer Club.

7th Barca Academy in U.S.

In its first season, the academy will welcome boys and girls aged between six and 12, with plans to expand up to age 18 in the following season.

Training will take place at two Hoover locations —Riverchase Sports Park and the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.

“It is a tremendous honor for the City of Hoover to join the Barça Academy family. To be one of only seven cities in the nation selected for this elite program is truly exciting. FC Barcelona’s reputation is known worldwide, and now that world-class standard is being brought to our children – right in their backyard.

I know this partnership will not only elevate their soccer skills but also expand their friendships and broaden their worldview. It’s an incredible opportunity — not just for our city, but for the entire region — and I join the Hoover Soccer Club in celebrating this momentous milestone.”

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato

In addition to Hoover, the other six academies are in Chicago, Austin, North Carolina, Arizona, New York and Miami. Barça now has 30 football academies around the world: 10 in the Americas, 10 in Asia-Pacific, and 10 in Europe and the Middle East.

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