La Masia

La Masia is the youth academy of FC Barcelona. From her numerous talents emerged, including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, the top three finishers in the election for the world footballer of the year 2010.

History

As the initiator of the system applies Johan Cruyff, who brought in his eight years as Barça coach 29 young players into the first team. Until his arrival, it had managed only a few exceptions in the first team. In his home country since the 1960s played a major role in the promotion of young talent. Leading the way was particularly Ajax Amsterdam, which won with his young talent more talent, including Cruyff himself, brought forth and international titles. Since Cruyff's time also there is a proviso in the club to practice the same game system in all age groups.

2007 exported FC Barcelona its system of youth education and operates since his own " Masia " abroad. Near the Argentine capital Buenos Aires maintains a partnership with the Barcelona FC Barcelona Juniors Luján, which allows about 100 South African talent training analogous to that in the club's training center.

In the 2009/10 season, Barça won with ten players from their own Cantera (, Quarry '), as the youth division in Spain is, the Spanish championship.

Training

The football education is on precise and fast short passing game, called Tiki - Taka, designed and less, as is usual in other clubs, to physical training. Until the age of 16, players complete no strength training and no endurance. Strength, endurance and speed will be enhanced by the excessive training with the ball. The rapid games in minimal space, connected with the attainment of technical skills is a priority. Once the young kickers are ripe enough for the professional department, they come first in the B team. There are the so-called "pearls" successively introduced by a three -stage plan to the first team. [A 1]

The offspring not only learn how to handle the ball, but also get values ​​for everyday life provides. You are to identify with the club and get the " Barça stamp ". Because of the many home-grown it is for the fans turn easier to identify with the club. Advantageous for the Barça - students: the club pays a stipend for the players, which is no cost for them.

"It does not interest here how hard a boy is how long he can run. It only interested: what he can do with the ball Then all the training is oriented: technically unique players produce .... Barça teaches not to be strong, but intelligent. "

In contrast to other systems, youth soccer clubs from the player's own offspring make up a large part of the first team. At least 50 % of the players in the first team, so the goal of FC Barcelona, should be trained in their own youth department.

The FC Barcelona has about 50 scouts who look out specifically for fast, agile and technically skilled offensive players that can also be converted to defensive players worldwide later.

Building

La Masia (, Country House ' ) was established already in 1702 and is located just a few meters away from the Camp Nou. It served since 1979 as a dwelling for the cantera ( youth academy ') of the association. Covering an area of ​​600 square meters there is a large kitchen, a dining room, a lounge, a library and four large dormitories with dressing rooms and bathrooms. La Masia houses 60 adolescent talents, of which sleep 12 in La Masia, and the others. In nearby areas

Near the sports center of Barcelona, ​​Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, the La Masia - Centre de Oriol Tort Formació is. Since September 2011, the 6,000 square- foot facility has the old La Masia replaced, it may take up to 82 adolescents. The cost of the project should have amounted to about € 8 million.

Known graduates

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