Mexico is a country with a deep passion for football, and its academies are known for nurturing some of the brightest talents in the sport. Whether you’re a young aspiring footballer or a parent looking for the best opportunities for your child, Mexico offers a variety of football academies that combine top-notch training with education and personal development. Here’s a list of the 10 best football academies in Mexico, along with details on how to join them and what makes each one unique.
1. Academia FC México
Location: Mexico City
Website: Academia FC México
Academia FC México is not just a football academy; it’s a life-changing opportunity for young talents. This academy focuses on combining football training with high-quality education, making it ideal for students who want to pursue both athletic and academic careers. The academy works with top partners in athletics and education to provide housing, nutrition, and mentorship from football stars.
How to Join:
- The academy scouts talent across Mexico, focusing on vulnerable but talented adolescents.
- Applicants can apply through the academy’s website or attend open trials.
- Scholarships are available for top talents, covering education and training costs.
Interesting Fact: Academia FC México is the first academy in Mexico to offer a dual focus on football and education, ensuring students are prepared for life beyond the pitch.
2. IMG Academy Camp Mexico City
Location: Mexico City
Website: IMG Academy Camp Mexico City
IMG Academy is a global leader in athlete development, and its Mexico City camp offers world-class training for young footballers. The camp focuses on technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental performance, making it a great choice for players aiming to compete at the highest level.
How to Join:
- The camp is open to players aged 12-18.
- Registration is done online through the IMG Academy website.
- Day camp options are available, with fees varying based on the program.
Interesting Fact: IMG Academy’s mental performance sessions help players build confidence, resilience, and focus, giving them an edge in high-pressure situations.
3. Barcelona Academy Mexico
Location: Mexico City and Querétaro
Website: Barcelona Academy Mexico
Barcelona Academy Mexico, also known as SOY Academy, is part of the prestigious FC Barcelona network. This academy brings the renowned La Masia methodology to Mexico, focusing on technical skills, tactical intelligence, and a possession-based style of play. Note: Barcelona opened a second academy in Querétaro.
How to Join:
- The academy holds open trials and scouting events across Mexico.
- Applicants can register online through the SOY Academy website.
- Programs are available for players aged 6-18.
Interesting Fact: The academy follows the same training philosophy as FC Barcelona, one of the most successful clubs in football history.
4. Tigres UANL Academy
Location: Monterrey
Website: Tigres UANL Academy
Tigres UANL is known for its high-quality youth academy, which has produced several players for the Mexican national team. The academy emphasizes creativity, technical skills, and tactical intelligence.
How to Join:
- The academy scouts talent across Mexico and holds open trials.
- Applicants can apply through the club’s website or attend local tournaments to get scouted.
- Scholarships are available for top talents.
Interesting Fact: Tigres UANL has one of the highest numbers of foreign players in the Mexican Liga MX, making it a diverse and competitive environment.
5. Pachuca Academy
Location: Pachuca
Website: Pachuca Official Website
Pachuca’s academy is one of the most respected in Mexico, known for its focus on player development and education. The academy has produced several players who have gone on to play in Europe and for the Mexican national team.
How to Join:
- The academy scouts talent across Mexico and holds open trials.
- Applicants can apply through the club’s website or attend local tournaments.
- Scholarships are available for elite players.
Interesting Fact: Pachuca’s academy is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and emphasis on holistic player development7.
6. Chivas de Guadalajara Academy
Location: Guadalajara
Website: Chivas de Guadalajara Academy
Chivas Guadalajara is unique in that it only allows Mexican-born players in its squad, making its academy a crucial part of the club’s success. The academy focuses on technical skills, tactical awareness, and teamwork.
How to Join:
- The academy scouts talent across Mexico and holds open trials.
- Applicants can apply through the club’s website or attend local tournaments.
- Scholarships are available for top talents.
Interesting Fact: Chivas Guadalajara is one of the most successful teams in Mexico, with a net worth of around $300 million.
7. Pumas UNAM Academy
Location: Mexico City
Website: Pumas UNAM Official Website
Pumas UNAM’s academy is known for its focus on technical skills and tactical intelligence. The academy has produced several players who have gone on to play for the Mexican national team and in Europe.
How to Join:
- The academy scouts talent across Mexico and holds open trials.
- Applicants can apply through the club’s website or attend local tournaments.
- Scholarships are available for elite players.
Interesting Fact: Pumas UNAM’s academy is one of the oldest in Mexico, with a rich history of producing top-tier players.
8. One Premier Academy
Location: Mexico City
Website: One Premier Academy
One Premier Academy is a top-tier football academy located in Mexico City, offering professional training in a stunning tropical setting. The academy focuses on developing players’ technical, tactical, and physical abilities while providing opportunities to compete in international tournaments.
How to Join:
- Programs are open to players aged 12-19.
- Applicants can apply online through the academy’s website.
- The academy offers residential programs and short-term camps.
Interesting Fact: One Premier Academy’s location in Mexico City allows players to train in a world-class facility. It is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and emphasis on holistic player development.
9. Club América Academy
Location: Mexico City
Website: Club América Official Website
Club América is one of Mexico’s most successful football clubs, and its academy is renowned for producing top-tier players. The academy focuses on technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning, preparing players for professional careers.
How to Join:
- The academy scouts talent across Mexico and holds open trials periodically.
- Applicants can apply through the club’s youth development program.
- Scholarships are available for elite players.
Interesting Fact: Club América has won the CONCACAF Champions League a record seven times, thanks in part to its strong youth development program7.
10. Atlas Academy
Location: Guadalajara
Website: Atlas Official Website
Atlas’s academy is known for its focus on technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning. The academy has produced several players who have gone on to play for the Mexican national team and in Europe.
How to Join:
- The academy scouts talent across Mexico and holds open trials.
- Applicants can apply through the club’s website or attend local tournaments.
- Scholarships are available for top talents.
Interesting Fact: Atlas’s academy is known for its strong emphasis on youth development and producing technically skilled players.
Conclusion
Mexico’s football academies offer a unique blend of top-tier training, education, and personal development. Whether you’re looking to join a prestigious club like Club América or a holistic academy like Academia FC México, there’s an option for every aspiring footballer. These academies not only prepare players for professional careers but also instill values like discipline, teamwork, and resilience. If you dream of becoming the next football star, Mexico’s academies are the perfect place to start your journey.
