Villarreal CF to hold historic five-day football camp in Kenya
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 29.06.26. | 20:02
Participants will undergo structured training sessions designed around Villarreal's internationally recognised coaching philosophy, which has produced several elite footballers over the years
Spanish LaLiga side Villarreal CF is set to make its first-ever visit to Kenya in July, with the 2021 UEFA Europa League winners planning a five-day football development camp aimed at nurturing young talent and empowering local coaches.
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The camp, scheduled to run from Tuesday, 28 July to Saturday, 1 August, in Nairobi, forms part of Villarreal's international expansion strategy for its renowned academy programme.
The initiative is being organised in partnership with New Hera Interconnection, which is spearheading the club's football development projects in East Africa.
According to information published on Villarreal CF's official website, members of the club's first-team coaching staff will travel to Kenya to conduct the intensive training programme, giving aspiring footballers a rare opportunity to experience one of Spain's most respected youth development methodologies.
The camp will take place at Don Bosco Utume and will cater for boys and girls across age categories ranging from Under-8 to Under-19.
Participants will undergo structured training sessions designed around Villarreal's internationally recognised coaching philosophy, which has produced several elite footballers over the years.
Beyond the on-field training, the programme will also provide a significant pathway for emerging Kenyan talent.
At the conclusion of the camp, two outstanding players will be selected to travel to Spain, where they will represent Kenya in a Villarreal youth tournament and gain valuable international exposure.
The initiative will also benefit the local coaching fraternity. Villarreal's UEFA-licensed coaches are expected to conduct specialised coaching clinics, with a limited number of Kenyan coaches set to participate in practical and theoretical sessions focused on the implementation of the club's successful football methodology.
The programme is expected to enhance technical knowledge and contribute to the continued growth of grassroots football development in the country.
Speaking ahead of the visit, New Hera Interconnection Chief Executive Officer Matri Torres described the partnership as a major milestone in strengthening football links between Africa and Europe.
"At New Hera Interconnection, we believe that football is a powerful engine of transformation and a bridge between continents. Partnering with a club of Villarreal CF's global stature is a great source of pride for us.
By bringing their top-level methodology to Nairobi, we are not just organising a camp; we are opening a direct door for young talents and local coaches to experience the elite standards of Spanish football.
This is the first of many initiatives aimed at strengthening the presence of our international partners in Africa, a market that is as vibrant as it is talented," Torres said.
Villarreal International Business Manager Brandon Paramo also expressed excitement ahead of the club's maiden football camp in Kenya, saying the project represents an important step in the club's global outreach strategy.
"We are very excited to hold this first camp in Kenya this summer. Our aim with international projects is to give visibility to the Villarreal CF brand through sporting initiatives and activities. All participants will work under the club's methodology with our Villarreal coaches.
We wish all players and coaches the very best of luck and hope this is just the beginning of a successful long-term collaboration with New Hera Interconnection," he said.
Villarreal, popularly known as the Yellow Submarine, have built a global reputation for producing technically gifted players through one of Spain's finest youth academies.
The club reached one of the highest points in its history after winning the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League, defeating Manchester United in a dramatic final.
Their upcoming visit will be the first by the Spanish club to Kenya and is expected to lay the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on talent identification, coach education and youth football development across the region.