As in past years, three talented players from Barça Academy Pro Arizona have been selected to train with FC Barcelona’s youth teams to assess their development in performance and attitude. This year, the standout players chosen by the coaches in the United States are Graham Ford, Makai Wells, and Jorge Padilla. All three young athletes participated in last year’s Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs, which continue to gain traction and prominence each season.
The future looks bright for these three promising talents.
Graham Ford is showcasing his skills with the U16A team. Having impressed coaches last year during a training camp, Ford, a left-footed central midfielder, is known for his ability to retain possession, recover balls, and read the game effectively.
Makai Wells is also training with the U16A squad on his inaugural visit to Barcelona. A right winger, Wells excels in passing and is particularly strong in one-on-one situations, impressing coaches despite only joining Barça Academy Pro Arizona last year.
Jorge Padilla, on the other hand, is competing with the U19B team and is visiting the Ciutat Esportiva for the first time after spending four years at the Arizona center. His exceptional performance in the MLS U16 playoffs played a significant role in his selection for this opportunity. As a right-sided midfielder, Padilla is characterized by his strong tackling and direct style of play, which keeps him actively involved in offensive maneuvers. His dedication and hardworking nature further solidify his worthiness of this visit to Barcelona.
The Barça Residency Academy USA, located in Casa Grande, Arizona, is the sole program FC Barcelona operates in North America and opened its doors in 2017. With dedicated coaches from FC Barcelona ensuring the perfect transfer of training methodologies, the academy features eight soccer fields and a study center affiliated with Arizona State University. It proudly stands as the only Barça Academy to compete in MLS Next, the premier youth league in the United States.
In summary, the continued investment in scouting and training young talent, as demonstrated by these players at Barça Academy Pro Arizona, reflects FC Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing future stars. With their current training and development, there is immense potential for these young athletes to make significant contributions to soccer both domestically and internationally. This initiative serves as a promising pathway for aspiring soccer players in North America, fostering talent and ambition that could lead to bright futures in the sport.