Real Betis Training Camp Ahmedabad Inspires Young Stars
ARA FC Hosts Real Betis Balompié Coaches for Elite Three-Day Training Camp
ARA FC is holding a high-impact, three-day football training camp featuring elite coaches from the world-renowned Spanish club, Real Betis Balompié. The camp is led by Pablo Bocanegra, Head of Expansion at Real Betis Global Academy, and Luis Sagasta Ferraro, International Project Activator, providing young Gujarat athletes with a direct window into European football excellence.
Spanish football training is often praised for its focus on smart play rather than just physical strength. Clubs like Real Betis follow a system where young players learn to read the game early. Coaches across Spain believe that decision-making and quick passing are just as important as speed or power. This approach has helped Spain produce many top players over the years, including World Cup and European Championship winners.
Approximately 100 aspiring players up to the age of 17 are participating in the intensive programme. The curriculum was carefully designed to cover tactical awareness, physical fitness, team bonding, and advanced skill development. To ensure personal attention, participants were divided into smaller groups, allowing the Spanish coaches to apply their detailed training methods.
Research in youth football shows that small group training helps players improve faster. Studies from European football academies suggest that players who train in groups of 8 to 12 get more touches on the ball and better guidance from coaches. This leads to stronger confidence and sharper skills on the field. Many top academies in Spain and Germany use this exact method.
Real Betis Balompié is widely respected as one of Spain’s most significant clubs. Beyond its competitive success, it is often called the “second team” for many Spaniards because of its loyal fanbase and strong identity. Known locally as Los Verdiblancos, the club regularly ranks among the highest in LaLiga attendance and is recognised by Brand Finance as one of the most sustainable football clubs in the world.
In recent years, sustainability has become a big focus in football. Real Betis has been praised for its “Forever Green” campaign, which promotes eco-friendly practices in sport. The club has worked on reducing waste, saving energy, and spreading awareness among fans. This has made it a global example of how football clubs can care for both the game and the planet.
Toni Claveria, CEO of Meet Football and camp facilitator, praised the partnership, “We are deeply impressed with Real Betis’s methodology and process. They have world-class techniques to train players from a very young age. Partnering with ARA FC allows us to bring the discipline, skills, and mindset of Spanish football to both students and local coaches.”
European academies often start training players as young as six or seven. Reports from FIFA and UEFA show that early training helps children build strong basics like ball control and positioning. More importantly, it also teaches discipline, teamwork, and respect, which are seen as key values in professional sport.
The initiative also includes special sessions for the ARA FC coaching staff to ensure long-term consistency in training routines. Krinesh Patel, Director of ARA, shared the larger vision for the region: “We want Gujarat to lead the football revolution in India. By working with top-level coaches, we are giving a great opportunity to our players and staff. This camp is a step towards that goal.”
India’s football scene has been growing steadily over the past decade. With leagues like the Indian Super League and better youth programmes, more young players are taking the sport seriously. Experts believe that exposure to international coaching can help Indian football move to the next level. States like Gujarat are now investing more in grassroots development, which is seen as the foundation of long-term success.
Reflecting on the local talent, Coach Pablo Bocanegra said, “The kids here are naturally talented and very hard-working. With small changes in their routine, diet, and fitness, they can become true champions. We are happy with their progress and hope to stay connected.”
Modern sports science supports this view. Proper diet, rest, and fitness training can greatly improve a young athlete’s performance. Nutrition experts say that balanced meals with enough protein, hydration, and sleep can boost both energy and recovery. Many European academies now include sports scientists and diet experts as part of their coaching teams.
Coach Luis Sagasta added, “Their passing skills, hunger for the game and awareness are at par with any child of their age globally. Gujarat football is at a positive turning point.”
This matches what many talent scouts have noted in recent years. Young Indian players are showing better technical ability and game awareness than before. With the right coaching and exposure, they have the potential to compete at higher levels.
Real Betis continues to grow its global presence, with its academy now active in over 75 countries, focusing on youth development and sustainability through its “Forever Green” values.
Such global academies play a key role in shaping the future of football. They not only train players but also build a shared football culture across countries. For young athletes in Gujarat, this camp offers more than just training. It gives them a real sense of what it takes to play the game at an international level.
