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Espanyol Youth DNA Inspires Next Generation in Shanghai
New Season Kick-Off Event Unites Families and Highlights Academy Growth
RCD Espanyol continues to expand its international footprint with the successful launch of the 2025/26 season at the RCDE Academy in Shanghai. An exclusive event brought together over 500 families and players to celebrate the Academy's growth and commitment to the RCDE training model.
The event featured a special video greeting from RCD Espanyol’s first team captain, Javi Puado, and International Espanyol Academies Director, Albert Saus. Victor, the Espanyol Academy’s Technical Director in Shanghai, led an insightful session on the club's youth development philosophy, emphasizing the RCDE DNA: discipline, team spirit, technical excellence, and personal growth.
The Academy’s three Spanish head coaches also shared motivational messages with their squads, underlining the values that make Espanyol’s model stand out globally.
Young players from U6 to U15 showcased their ambition and passion for football, while three alumni—who now pursue professional and academic careers abroad—shared their personal journeys from RCDE Shanghai to new international opportunities.
Founded in 2019 with just 80 players, the RCDE Academy Shanghai now boasts over 500 registered participants, reflecting the solid local commitment and the effectiveness of the club’s methodology.
The event concluded with a spirited match between the youth teams and the coaching staff, symbolizing the unity and enthusiasm that define the Academy’s community.
The RCDE Academy Shanghai is a key example of the club’s vision to share its proven methodology worldwide, supporting the development of young talent in a structured, values-driven environment.
The event featured a special video greeting from RCD Espanyol’s first team captain, Javi Puado, and International Espanyol Academies Director, Albert Saus. Victor, the Espanyol Academy’s Technical Director in Shanghai, led an insightful session on the club's youth development philosophy, emphasizing the RCDE DNA: discipline, team spirit, technical excellence, and personal growth.
The Academy’s three Spanish head coaches also shared motivational messages with their squads, underlining the values that make Espanyol’s model stand out globally.
Young players from U6 to U15 showcased their ambition and passion for football, while three alumni—who now pursue professional and academic careers abroad—shared their personal journeys from RCDE Shanghai to new international opportunities.
Founded in 2019 with just 80 players, the RCDE Academy Shanghai now boasts over 500 registered participants, reflecting the solid local commitment and the effectiveness of the club’s methodology.
The event concluded with a spirited match between the youth teams and the coaching staff, symbolizing the unity and enthusiasm that define the Academy’s community.
The RCDE Academy Shanghai is a key example of the club’s vision to share its proven methodology worldwide, supporting the development of young talent in a structured, values-driven environment.