Three talented players from the Barça Academy Pro Arizona have been engaging in training sessions with the youth teams at FC Barcelona, aiming to evaluate their development in performance and attitude. The chosen youngsters for this year are Graham Ford, Makai Wells, and Jorge Padilla, who have all made notable contributions during last year’s MLS playoffs, a competition that is continually evolving and becoming more competitive.
Graham Ford is currently training with the U16A team. He had previously impressed during a training camp last year. Known for his skills as a left-footed central midfielder, Ford excels in ball possession, recovery, and tactical awareness.
Makai Wells joins him in the U16A squad for his inaugural visit to Barcelona. The right winger has shown a strong aptitude for passing and excels in one-on-one confrontations. He only joined the Barça Academy Pro Arizona last year, marking a promising start to his development.
Meanwhile, Jorge Padilla is taking part in training with the U19B team, making his first trip to Barcelona after four years at the Arizona center. He made a strong impression during the MLS U16 playoffs, which played a significant role in his selection for this opportunity. As a right-sided midfielder, Padilla is known for his tenacity in tackles and his aggressive style of play that contributes significantly to attacking efforts. His dedication and hard work have rightfully earned him this chance in Barcelona.
The Barça Residency Academy USA, located in Casa Grande, Arizona, is the only program of its kind that FC Barcelona is operating in North America, having opened in 2017. The academy features dedicated FC Barcelona coaches on-site to ensure proper implementation of the club’s training methodology. Equipped with eight soccer fields and a study center in collaboration with Arizona State University, it is also the exclusive Barça Academy to compete in MLS Next, the top youth league in the United States.
This initiative highlights FC Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering growth in soccer in North America, offering aspiring players valuable experience and exposure at one of the world’s leading football academies. The hard work put in by these players underlines a hopeful future for soccer in the region.