We
breathe
soccer
breathe
soccer
We are thrilled to announce that we have officially kicked off the start of the 2020/21 season signifying our continued partnership with FC Barcelona. From coast to coast boys and girls ranging in array of age categories return back out on to the fields to continue their education in FC Barcelona values, style and techniques.
For some this will be their first season with us, having gone through summer tryouts at our different locations and finding that the philosophy of the Barca way being in line with helping them advance in their skills, field IQ and overall love for the beautiful game. In Charlotte, NC we were especially proud to announce that our Academy there has expanded regionally and around the city, as well as with 2 new locations across the border into South Carolina.
With all of the excitement of getting going again and watching our players grow, we are earnestly keeping in mind that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. For the past 7 weeks we have been actively putting into practice safety procedures that are in line with CDC and government regulations at our camps from around the nation and truly believe that we will continue to refine these practices in order to keep all of our players safe. This is non-negotiable for us and will always be our number one priority in each city that we have an Academy.
Many protocols have been put into place to ensure utmost safety, including mandatory temperature checks and hand sanitization. Redesigning drills at a safe distance, as well as disinfecting all training materials. Players will only interact with their own ball for individual games. For cooperation games players will share a ball, through which they must achieve a common goal. For opposition in a non-shared space, players will cooperate with a shared ball to achieve a common goal, sharing only their space and without defensive contact.
These are just some of the procedures we are putting into practice and will continue to communicate with you through email and social media as these protocols are added and refined.
For many the Christmas season is a time to take a break from the busyness of the year and relax with family and loved ones. For others, it’s the chance to experience a once in a lifetime trip to Barcelona with their extended futsal family, all the while taking in rich Spanish culture and showcasing their indoor prowess by playing against the highest level of international competition.
If you didn’t know already, futsal is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing youth sports in America, for boys and girls, and beyond that the U.S. is producing some of the best talent in the world.
As a global sports marketing company, with a heavy focus on soccer, we pride ourselves in being involved in this alternative to the beautiful game, additionally running two successful futsal academies in Austin, TX and Charlotte, NC as part of our portfolio, spearheaded by ISL Director, Adam Brundle.
In the world of Futsal ISL has quickly aligned itself with the game’s heavy hitters, including the USYF and Keith Tozer – the Commissioner of the Professional Futsal League. It was through this relationship that the idea of putting on a trip together for a sizable group of boys and girls in conjunction with USYF to Barcelona was birthed. This is no easy feat, but the task of seasoned professionals like our Travel Management and Experience Team, headed up by Achille Obougou.
From the planning stages to the execution, it all came and went in the blink of an eye. Over the course of 10 days, 250 plus players and family members made the inaugural USYF/ISL joint international trip from different parts of the U.S. to the Catalonian city of Barcelona. Aside from being a highly immersive training and competitive playing trip, where the USYF played the likes of the Catalan National team, players and guests had the chance to take in the historical sights, take an all access tour of Camp Nou, dine at the many wonderful eateries around the city, but best of all they all had the great fortune of being able to participate in a FC Barcelona Futsal – First Team practice, as well as the chance to meet their heroes and grab pictures with them.
“From the time we landed in Barcelona until the time we headed back to the States, the ISL team had seamlessly organized and executed a non-stop, fun and action packed itinerary for the players and family members.” – Keith Tozer. He added, “We are very excited about the partnership the USYF have with ISL, and look forward to many trips together in the near future.”
Over the past year ISL have worked with BK2 in order to aid young soccer players in their journey to play at the next level. While some players have the rare gift of beginning a professional career at a young age, many others find the option to play collegiately as the best fit for them. Playing collegiate not only allows a young player to keep chasing their dream of playing professionally, but provides a valuable education if a professional playing career doesn’t materialize. Not to mention, the academic and athletic scholarship options that come with playing college soccer go a long way.
BK2 are a college counseling organization who work to support young students in the process of American University recruitment, offering services that will position its students in the best possible scenario. The education of applicants and their professional development are the basis of all their efforts. BK2 helps athletes find the best athletic and academic scholarships available to them, and make the process understandable for families who may not be familiar with the American recruitment system.
We look forward to many more years working with BK2 in achieving academic and athletic success for young players around the world!
