What is Barca Academy?
Barca Academy is the official soccer school of FC Barcelona. The main goal ofBarca Academy is to give players around the world the opportunity to learn the methodologies and values of FC Barcelona.
What is the FC Barcelona Training Program?
FCBEscola offers an exclusive annual training program based on the unique Barça style. Players will have the opportunity to learn the same successful methodologies where players such as Messi, Iniesta or Piqué emerged from.
Who are the Coaches/Technical Director?
The FCBEscola Dubai Technical Director comes from Barcelona and under contract with the FCBarcelona. The FCBEscola Dubai Coaches are licensed and certified by FCB to conduct training in our academy. Each coach has a minimum of 3 years experience coaching in the Middle East and/or Europe and has received a diploma in Higher Physical Education.
Where is the academy located?
The FCBEscola Dubai operates in three locations: GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park and GEMS Nations Academy.
Is this an Official FC Barcelona Program?
Yes, we are the official licensed partner of FC Barcelona in the United Arab Emirates.
Are there any information sessions conducted for parents?
We hold an informational session for parents within the first two months of each season to provide details of the program, discuss objectives and answer any questions that the families might have.
What is the age range?
The FCBEscola Dubai welcomes boys and girls between the ages of 4 to 18 years old.
What is the player/coach ratio?
The ratio is one coach to 12 players in all internal league teams apart from the youngest age group teams (baby class) where ratio is 1:10. Number of players in Selection teams may differ and depends on the age group.
How are the teams formed?
Team distribution is solely based on two main factors: age and skill level. We do this to ensure every child achieves maximum development within his or her team. Children of all abilities are welcome to our training program, the only trait we ask the child to have is the enthusiasm to play football as part of the team and the desire to improve.
How long does the program last?
Season normally starts in the first week of September and finishes at the end of June.
Is there a trial session prior to enrollment?
Trial sessions are necessary for players of all ages apart from the youngest age (baby class) in order for us to be able to determine the best suitable team. Our youngest players are welcome to try out too so that they can sample our training programme first-hand and decide if it is the right fit for them before parents commit to enrollment and payment.
What does my child need to take to each session?
Footwear suitable for artificial AstroTurf surface, shin guards and named water bottles. Each player must wear the appropriate uniform (training or match day attire). Choice of footwear suitable for artificial AstroTurf surface are, sneakers/trainers, and shoes with studs are also acceptable.
Can parents stay and watch?
Yes, all our venues allow parents to remain onsite whenever training sessions/matches take place. However, parents must be outside the football pitch and are strictly prohibited from crossing the field when sessions take place.
Are transfers between branches possible during the season?
Yes, however it depends on the availability in the desired branch. If you would like to get more information about this, please feel free to contact the FCBEscola Dubai Client Relations department.
What is the cost of the program?
Please see more information about costs here
What payment options are available?
Payments can be made in cash, bank check to StryxGulf FZ LLC, credit card or online.
Do you offer any payment plans?
FCBEscola offers 2 installment plans for 7.5 months and a Full Season membership package. Shorter membership options must be paid in full prior to the start of the program.
Are there any discounts available?
We do offer several discounts:
- 5% and 10% discount for second and third or any additional sibling respectively
- 5% GNA discount available to student of GNA school only
- 5% refer-a-friend discount (this discount will be in effect from 1st September 2017 only and prior referrals do not fall under this offer; discount applies to the next payement at FCBEscola Dubai; discount applies to membership fee and not the admision fee payments; no cash refunds will be given; maximum number of people you can refer is 5; discount is valid only upon friend’s registration completion at FCBEscola; your friend must be a new participant and not an old FCBEscola Dubai member. If you would like to refer a friend simply contact our Client Relations team.
Will my child get a regular evaluation?
Each player is assessed on a regular basis and will receive a full written evaluation twice per season (January and June) from the coach under supervision of Technical Director and Head Coaching staff. The feedback provided will allow you to stay up-to-date with your child’s progress, will highlight his/her achievements and make suggestions for areas that need improvement.
Are there any make up sessions if some classes are missed?
Make up sessions are arranged for medical reasons only on submission of doctors note.
What happens in case of bad weather?
We will endeavour to keep the children playing football for as long as possible, but inevitably the training can be disrupted by rain, sand storm, thunderstorm and so on particularly during the winter months. If our coaches deem the weather too wet or dangerous to play football safely then all training will be cancelled. No refunds or credits are offered for any session missed due to bad weather conditions.
How are the students grouped during training?
The players are grouped according to skill level and age.
Is Barca Academy Dubai open for girls?
Yes training is for both girls and boys. From September 2016, we have opened a dedicated girl’s team in U14 age category, which will be expanded to U12 age group also in season 2017/18. Girls can choose to either enroll in the mixed or girls’ only sessions.
How long are the sessions?
Training sessions are 1 hour and 15 minutes long for all ages except the youngest age groups (baby classes), which last 1 hour.
How many days a week is the training?
Our program consists of three sessions per week. Two sessions are dedicated to learning the unique FC Barcelona techniques and skills, with the third session being held exclusively for matches. This allows our players to showcase their talents when participating in local and international tournaments. Goalkeepers have the option to choose from 2 to 5 weekly sessions (*mixture of dedicated goal-keeping training(s) plus matches or/and regular training sessions with the team).
Is transportation provided?
No, transportation to/from FCBEscola training locations is not provided and members have to arrange commuting on their own. Transportation is organised by FCBEscola Dubai only in the events of external competitions/fixtures/tournaments/league taking place in Emirates other than Dubai.
Can I request not to be posted on your social media channels?
All parents enrolling their kids in FCBEscola Dubai sign a disclaimer as part of the registration form granting us the rights to use players’ names, photographic or video images taken during training, matches and events for reasonable commercial purposes such as newspaper, magazine ads/articles, and online social media. If you do not wish your child to be on social media, or their photo or video taken, please let the academy know prior to enrollment.