VCF Academy Canada doubles down on its commitment to Spanish coaches 

VCF Academy Canada is stepping up its commitment to having Valencia CF Academy coaches on site. This season, four coaches from Valencia will be based permanently at the VCF Academy Canada facility in Rigaud (Montreal).

“Having permanent Valencia CF Academy coaches on the ground ensures that our players receive authentic, up-to-date coaching directly connected to the Club. It also guarantees constant communication with the Academy in Valencia, allowing us to immediately implement new ideas, training concepts and methodological developments,” explains Chafik Mihoubi, Director of VCF Academy Canada.

“We believe this is the only way to faithfully provide our players and their families with the authentic Valencia CF Academy experience,” he adds.

The presence of Valencia CF Academy coaches at VCF Academy Canada has already been a reality in recent seasons. Now, the number of male and female coaches based permanently in Canada is being increased to provide more comprehensive support and meet all the needs of the Academy.

“Being here permanently also allows us to apply Valencia CF’s methodology consistently on a daily basis,” explains Ismael Fayos, a Valencia CF Academy coach at VCF Academy Canada.

“Players can learn the principles of our style of play step by step throughout the season. At the same time, we work closely with our local coaches, helping them understand not only what we do on the pitch, but also why we do it. For us, it is important that they feel part of the process and understand Valencia CF’s identity,” adds Ismael, who works daily in Canada alongside Joel Cepeda, Sara Martínez and Liam Quilis.

“Another important aspect is the daily monitoring of our players. We can get to know each player better, support their individual development and identify those with talent who could have the opportunity to continue their journey with Valencia CF in the future,” explains Ismael, who has been working at VCF Academy Canada for several seasons.

In fact, this pre-season, two VCF Academy Canada players, Samuel Matos and Sofia Niazi, are undertaking trials with two VCF Academy teams at Valencia CF’s Ciutat Esportiva.

“Living in Canada also allows us to better understand the local football environment. After several seasons here, we know the culture, the players, the clubs and the families. This helps us adapt our work to the Canadian context while maintaining the Valencia CF philosophy. We are proud to bring a little piece of Valencia to Canada and, at the same time, help Canada feel closer to Valencia.”

Canada is experiencing growing interest in football, as demonstrated by the recent World Cup held across Canada, the United States and Mexico, where Spain were crowned world champions once again, with a goal in the final from Ferran Torres, a player who came through the VCF Academy.

“The winning goal in the final was scored by a player developed at the Valencia CF Academy, once again demonstrating the quality of the club’s player development programme,” says Chafik.

“Spain remained true to its principles: technical excellence, intelligent decision-making, positional play and, above all, the collective over the individual. Everyone wants to know the secret behind the success of Spanish football. The answer does not lie in a single training session or a technical manual. It is about a philosophy that is lived every day, by the right people, in the right environment and with unwavering consistency. That is precisely what we are committed to providing our players and their families in Canada,” he concludes.

Since beginning operations in 2020, VCF Academy Canada has continued to grow alongside the Valencia CF Academy, increasing the number of boys and girls who train every day at its facilities in Rigaud, near Montreal. VCF Academy Canada is the only VCF Academy to offer a residential programme.

The commitment to women’s football is also evident in the day-to-day activities at VCF Academy Canada, which continues to welcome more and more female players and is further strengthening its programme with the presence of coach Sara Martínez.

“Our objective is clear: to create more opportunities for girls, support their development and ensure that they receive the same quality of training, methodology, support and ambition as the rest of the players at VCF Academy Canada,” says Chafik.

“Sara Martínez’s arrival is an important step in the continued growth of our women’s programme and a clear message that female players have an essential place in the future of VCF Academy Canada.”

The Valencia CF Academy operates in key markets across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, along with the VCF Soccer Camps, international partnerships, technical consultancy and the VCF Academy World Cup, are all part of the VCF Soccer Academy Programs. These initiatives help expand the Valencia CF brand worldwide and promote what its colours represent.