Barça Academy Summer Program Airport Transfer Information & Camp Frequently Asked Questions

All transfers must be pre-arranged.

Collect your baggage and pass through Customs. A camp staff member or a car service representative will be waiting for you outside the customs arrival area in the public arrival area.

Camp staff will be waiting just outside the arrivals area at the Barcelona – El Prat Airport at Terminal 1 on the first day of the program (Saturday 15 June).

The camp will only provide transportation from Barcelona – El Prat Airport (BCN), Terminal 1. Those arriving to Terminal 2 will need to get a shuttle bus to Terminal 1. (The shuttles from the airport will be active between 8:00AM and 1:30PM. Futbol First will not provide transportation out of this period of time.)

Flight Arrivals are on Saturday June 15 between 07:00am – 1:00pm and Flight Departures are on Monday June 24 during the morning. (There will be different shuttles going to the airport. The first shuttle will depart from the player’s residence between 3:00AM and 4:00AM, and the last shuttle will depart between 9:00AM and 9:30AM. All the players must check-out by 9:30AM on Monday. Futbol First will not provide transportation out of this period of time.)

If you are traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (special paying service provided by the airlines and additional fee of US$75) (UM, check Airlines Services for UM) and need to be met by a staff member at the gate, please let us know at time of registration.

Participants must arrive on the first date of the camp and leave on the last date of the camp as mentioned on your registration.

Check local requirements for children traveling without their parents or legal guardian – each country has specific requirements and may require written consent and/or identity documents.

It is of vital importance that all necessary flight details are sent to Soccer Camps International with the booking information or as soon as available. We require the exact flight information including dates, airlines, arrival and departure terminals, flight numbers, and flight times. This service must be booked no later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the course.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What age group can attend the Barça Academy Summer Program?

A: The Barça Academy Summer Program is open to boys and girls from 10 – 16 years old. Please note that the camp is a coed camp and that campers must be within the relevant age restrictions to register for the camp. Campers whose age is outside of the above age limits cannot register for the camp. Camp participants need to be the relevant age throughout the duration of the course in order to register.

Q: My son/daughter is just outside the relevant age for a particular course. What can I do?

A: Unfortunately your child has to be of the relevant age throughout the duration of the course.

Q: What is included?

A: Once campers are in Barcelona, pretty much everything is included — housing, food, coaching, activities, museum immersive tour experience, excursions, and more! Airfare is not included, either. All details are mentioned in the Price Page

Q: Can my son or daughter bring electronic devices?

A: Electronic devices are only allowed at the residence. Nevertheless, the camp is not responsible for the care or loss of such devices.

Q: What do I need to bring with me to camp?

A: You can find a list of what we recommend children bring with them HERE (PDF).

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at camp?

A: Campers should arrive for self check-in on the morning of Saturday June 15  (around 12noon or so) and plan to depart on the morning of Monday June 24 (at the latest at 9am).

Q: Is this a tryout for La Masia?

A: The camp is not designed or run to recruit or scout players. The camps do not send players directly to the FC Barcelona youth system.

Q: How can I get a trial with the Academy?

A: F.C. Barcelona has a scouting network to identify talented youngsters. Players need to make an impression for their local club/team. You cannot apply for a trial through the Barça Academy Clinic.

Q: What are the chances of meeting a player?

A: It is unlikely that the players will be able to attend the Barça Academy Summer Program because of their busy training and match schedule.

Q: My child is attending on his own; will he be ok?

A: Yes, the majority of players attend without friends and family. Individuals will be placed in groups with players near the same age who are also on their own. The first session of every course is designed to help all individual players integrate to form a team and also make new friends.

Q: What to expect as far as camp culture based on the country of the camp?

A: Each camp provides a sports experience as well as a cultural experience. Many of the participants will experience something different from home as they will be in a foreign country with a different way of living. For most of the camps, participants will experience the local cuisine, special times for meals (early meals in northern Europe, late meals in southern Europe) as per the culture of the country, showers after training sessions, typical entertainment at the camp as per the country’s summer camp culture, early or late bedtimes based on the country’s living habits and more. If you feel that your child will have difficulties to adapt to a new way of living, then we recommend that you wait until your child is of an age where they will be ready to do so.

Q: How will players be divided?

A: Upon arrival, players will be broken into groups based on age. Once the coaches get an idea of each player’s level and ability, they may shift players between groups to find the best fit for each camper.

Q: Where are the soccer camps based?

A: The residential soccer camp’s accommodations are based at the Generator Hostel in Barcelona which is located near the Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. More details can be found on the Camp Location page.

Q: Are meals provided?

A: Meals are provided and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More details can be found on the Camp Location page.

Q: What does full accommodation include?

A: Residential soccer camp participants will stay in 4, 6, or 8 person rooms with private bathrooms in the the Generator Hostel in Barcelona which is located near the Sagrada Familia. The Generator Hostel includes a games room and Wi-Fi. Accommodation includes 3 meals a day during the week, towels, sheets, and pillows. More information can be found on the Camp Location page.

Q: How much pocket money will they need whilst on the camp?

A: It is suggested that each child brings about 100-150 Euros per week of pocket money to buy souvenirs, drinks, etc.

Q: While the players are training, are the families allowed at the training facilities?

A: Barça has informed the camp that due to the security at Ciutat Esportiva, access to the training sessions in this facility will be restricted to players and staff only. Special training sessions will be done at another training facility for parents to be able to watch their kids during a soccer practices, details for this will be provided to the parents during the camp.

Q: Can I visit my child during the camp?

A: Parents may be able to visit their child during lunch and/or dinner if they are given consent by the camp to do so. Please check with the camp director on the first day of camp. Probably the best time will be at lunch and dinner time since both in the morning and in the afternoon the players will have an activity. Also, the players will need time to rest in order to be ready for their Barça Academy training sessions, the friendly games, and cultural activities.
*Note that family members are not allowed to stay in the players’ residence and will need to be in contact with their chaperone when picking up and dropping the player at the residence during the week.

Q: Can I stay on site with my child?

A: There is no accommodation for parents on site. We do not recommend any particular accommodations. It is best to choose a hotel in the Barcelona area which meets your requirements. You can check Barcelona hotels on this link

Q: Are there specific Goalkeeping training available?

A: There is Goalkeeping training available. Just select the Goalkeeper Training Option during online registration. Please visit the Details Page for more information.

Q: Does the child need a ‘Child Tourist/Visitor Visa’ to attend the soccer camp?

A: IMPORTANT:  Please note, you are solely responsible for obtaining all needed travel documents including but not limited to a valid passport and any appropriate tourist travel visas for the person attending the soccer camp, the Participant.  You must contact the appropriate consulate office for entry requirements and visa requirements for the country where the selected camp is located.  Once you have registered your child with us, and have paid for the camp in full, upon your written request, we will be pleased to provide a letter confirming enrolment for the specific Participant. This letter may be required by certain consulates for the ‘Child Tourist/Visitor Visa’.  (NOTE: We can only issue the letter for the Participant not for any other person.)  Please be advised that consulate’s visa application processes can take many months.  The more you wait, the more chances you have to be denied the required ‘Child Tourist/Visitor Visa’ for your child and certain camps will not issue a refund.  Please check the terms for the camp.

Q: Do I need insurance?

A: Insurance is not included in your camp. All players must have their own medical coverage. The organization provides only excess coverage (does not cover deductibles) after your insurance policy has been utilized. For those interested in purchasing insurance through WorldNomads.com, please see the Insurance Page for more information.

Q: Will I be in the same room as my friend?

A: Accommodation will be in halls of residence in 4, 6, or 8 person rooms with private bathrooms. Towels, sheets, and pillows will be provided. Should you wish to share a room with a friend or relative please indicate this when you make your booking online. Please note that we cannot guarantee any room share requests. Please visit the Camp Location page for more information.

Q: How many weeks can my child attend for?

A: There is only one residential session currently being offered and it is ten days in duration. The camp will include excursions to a nearby beach and amusement parks as well as cultural visits into Barcelona which are offered after training sessions finish such as to a local place of interest and FC Barcelona Museum Immersive tour (there is no stadium tour as it is being rebuild for the next couple of years). There will usually be time for shopping at the stadium’s store. All excursions are fully supervised by camp staff.

Q: When is the closing date for applications?

A: Applications are open until there are no slots left. Slots are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a session is filled, then it is closed for sale.

Q: When can I phone my child?

A: Campers are not allowed to use their mobile phones during training or any activities. Your child will let you know the best time for you to contact him after his camp session has started. Contact details for the camp will be provided to you a couple of weeks before camp starts in the welcome email packet.

Q: What are the camp’s telephone numbers?

A: Camp telephone numbers will be provided in your welcome email packet a few weeks before the start of camp for registered campers.

Q: Will I be able to phone my child on his mobile phone?

A: Mobile phones are not allowed to be used during training or any of the activities. Set permitted times at night for mobile phone usage will be explained to campers by camp staff. Use of cell phones outside of permitted times may result in camp staff taking away the cell phones until the end of the camp.

Q: Will the players get their clothes washed?

A: All the players will get their uniforms washed at least once during the week (the training kits and travel kit only). Futbol First will not be responsible if a player loses an item of the kit. Therefore we will not be able to supply any additional kit. You will be able to purchase extra gear if that would happen.

Q: My child has to follow a specific diet for health reasons. Is it possible?

A: If your child has any special dietary requirements, if you did not mention it when you registered online, please inform us as soon as possible. Most diets can be catered for by prior arrangement. Futbol First will ensure every food allergy is well taken care of and the player still receives a nutritious Mediterranean meal three times a day. It is very important that you provide the allergies or special needs of the player to Futbol First when filling out the online registration form.

Q: My child takes prescription medication – should I inform you about this?

A: Yes, please be sure to indicate in the online application form any medication that your son is taking or if he is following a treatment. We will update the medical staff at the disposal at the camp who will follow your son. It is important that we receive accurate information about any pre-existing medical conditions your child may have. Should you not have already informed us of a medical condition when you registered online please do so as soon as possible. Please note that Barça Academy Clinic accepts students on the assumption that they are in good health. If your child needs to bring any medication with them please give us full information about dosage, time to take the medication and storage information.

Q: How is the security at the residence?

A: The residence has security 24/7 with cameras and security guards. Also, in order to get into the rooms you need a special key that will be kept by camp staff.

Q: Is there anybody supervising the participants during the night?

A: There is camp staff on site 24 hours per day.

Q: Who are the chaperones?

A: The chaperones are qualified staff from Barcelona, bilingual and all of them have passed an official police background check in order to work with the players.

Q: Who are the coaches?

A: The Barça Academy training sessions are run by Official Barça Academy Coaches who train at the club all year around and have the highest coaching license there is: The UEFA Pro License. The coaching will be done in English by the Spanish coaches.

Q: What languages do the coaches speak at camp?

A: The Barça Academy Clinic is taught in English by Spanish coaches who are bilingual Spanish and English speakers.

Q: Why choose the Barça Academy Summer Program?

A: The Barça Academy Summer Program offer players the unique on-field opportunity to train the way Barça train. The camp offers coed sessions for boys and girls from 10 – 16 years old (limited number of girls). Please visit the Camp Details page for more information.

Q: Can I send my child without a parent?

A: Yes, the camp will provide a chaperone 24/7 while in Barcelona. The camp will pick the player up at the airport on the first day and drop the player on the last day of the program. You are responsible to book the ‘Unaccompanied Minor Service’ with the airline company for the player on both ways. You will also need to add this service in our online reservation. It has an additional cost of US$75.

Q: Will my cell phone work in Spain?

A: Most US cell phones wont work in Europe because they need to be tri-band and have the European provider. Please check with your phone provider because even if they do work, making and receiving phone calls will be more expensive than usual.

Q: What is the electricity supply in Spain?

A: The electricity supply in Spain is different than in the United States so we suggest you travel with an adapter or converter.

Q: What are the best methods of payment once in Spain?

A: The current currency in Spain is the Euro since Spain is part of the European Community. ATMs are available all over Barcelona and most of the stores and businesses accept American credits cards as a method of payment (except American Express).

Q: While the players are training, do the families need to be at the training facilities?

A: Barça has informed the camp that due to the security regulations at Ciutat Esportiva, access to the training sessions in this facility will be restricted to players and staff only. But they are more than welcome to watch the training sessions when allowed in other training sites. We will let you know what training sessions are open to the families once the final schedule is released. Note that some sessions will not be open to the families.

Q: Can I make my own air travel arrangements?

A: Yes, you are responsible for booking the flights for the player and the family members joining the program. Airfare is not included in the price of your camp.

Q: Do I need a passport to travel?

A: Yes, it is required to have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining to travel to Barcelona. It is your responsibility to have a valid passport before joining the program.

Q: When and what time should I land in Barcelona?

A: You should land in Barcelona on Saturday June 15 between 7:00 am – 1 pm. The shuttles from the airport will be active between 8:00 am – 1:30 pm. The camp will not provide transportation and staff out of this period of time.

Q: When and what time should I leave Barcelona?

A: You should leave on Monday June 24 during the morning time. There will be different shuttles going to the airport. The last shuttle will depart from the player’s residence between 9:00 am – 9:30 am.

Q: Will the players be rooming with the family members?

A: No, the players will stay in the player’s residence and the family members joining the experience will need to look for their own accommodation. We do not recommend any particular accommodations. It is best to choose a hotel in the Barcelona area which meets your requirements.

Q: How does the rooming for the players work?

A: The players will be roomed with their teammates and the female players will be only roomed with other females. The rooms will be for 4, 6, or 8 players with private bathrooms and they will be supervised by the chaperones sleeping at the same floor. The chaperones will supervise them 24/7.

Q: Do the players eat together with the rest of the team and the chaperone?

A: Yes, players will eat together as a team and supervised by their chaperone at the athlete’s residence. If the parents want to have the players for a meal out, that should be notified to their chaperone and they will be responsible to get the players in time for the next activity in the program.

Q: What if my child has food allergies?

A: The camp will ensure every food allergy is well taken care and the player still receives a nutritious Mediterranean meal three times a day. It is very important that you provide the allergies or special needs of the player prior to the start of the program during online registration.

Q: What is the best time to spend time with my child during the experience?

A: Probably the best time will be at lunch and dinner time since both in the morning and in the afternoon the players will have an activity. Also, players will need time to rest in order to be ready for their Barça Academy training sessions, friendly games, and cultural activities. Please note that family members are not allowed in the players’ residence and will need to be in contact with their chaperone when picking up and dropping off the player at the residence during the week.

Q: What is the best way to transport soccer gear?

A: The camp suggests that players bring their soccer equipment in a carry-on bag in order to avoid any delays if in the unfortunate event a bag gets lost during transits.

Q: Does Futbol First provide soccer gear for the players?

A: Yes, each player will receive 2 Barça Academy Training kits (jersey, shorts and socks) and 1 Futbol First Travel kit (Nike T-shirt, shorts and socks).

Q: When do the players receive the uniforms and the travel kit?

A: Players will receive their uniforms and travel kits once they arrive in Barcelona.

Q: Can I order different sizes for each piece of the kits?

A: No, all the pieces of the kit must be the same size. If you need to update the size of the kits originally ordered please send us an email up to 15 days prior to the start of the program. Modifications will be subject to availability.

Q: What happens if my child loses part of the gear?

A: The camp is not responsible if a player loses an item of the kit. Therefore the camp will not be able to supply any additional kit. You will be able to purchase extra gear if that would happen.

Q: Do I need a soccer ball to participate in the program?

A: No, all the training and game material will be provided by FC Barcelona and the Spanish soccer clubs. You will receive a “what to bring” list prior to the start of the experience.

Q: How long are the Barça Academy training sessions?

A: The Barça Academy training sessions will be 1 hour and 30 minutes long each. Barça Academy coaches will analyze and summarize all the concepts learnt at the end of each practice session.

Q: Can parents attend the cultural activities?

A: Individuals who have purchased the Family Member Package can join the cultural activities with the group. Please visit the Prices Page for more information about the cultural activities for individuals who have purchased the Family Member Package.

Q: Can parents without the Family Member Package attend the cultural activities?

A: Yes, they can attend the cultural activities but they will need to arrange their own transportation and ticketing if needed.

Q: Do I need to get tickets for the tours?

A: Campers and individuals who have purchased the Family Member Package do not need to collect any tickets for the museum immersive tour experience nor for the rest of the cultural activities as the camp will take care of the tickets.

Q: What is the location for each activity?

A: You will receive all the information on addresses and meeting points before the program starts.

Q: Is the Family Member Package per individual?

A: Yes, the Family Member Package is per person. Each individual needs to purchase their own Family Member Package.

Q: How do you know if I purchased the Family Member Package?

A: Individuals who have purchased the Family Member Package during online registration will receive a wristband that they will need to wear during the experience. The wristband gives you access to all the activities and transfers during the week. Camp staff will give you the wristband on the first day of the program.

Q: What is the Historic District guided tour?

A: The Historic District guided tour is a guided tour through the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. It starts in Plaza de Colón (la Rambla) and finishes in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona (it does not include Sagrada Familia).

Q: What is the Parc Güell guided tour?

A: The Parc Güell tour is a guided tour through one of the most iconic spots of Barcelona built by the renowned architect Antonio Gaudí.

Q: What is the Ciutadella guided tour?

A: The Ciutadella tour is a guided tour through one of the most iconic parks of Barcelona, where the Catalonian Parliament is located. This tour is exclusive for families who purchase the Activity Package and it will be scheduled during the morning while the players are at the training session.

Q: What is the Beach Session?

A: The Beach Session is a game and training activity conducted by the Futbol First coaches, focused on having fun and improving group dynamics in which families are more than welcome to join.