Villarreal CF Launches New Youth Academy in Idaho as Part of North American Expansion Strategy.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Villarreal CF

Villarreal CF has announced the launch of a new youth academy in Hailey, Idaho, as part of its growing Villarreal Academy global network. The new site becomes the 14th Villarreal-affiliated academy in North America, reinforcing the Spanish club’s international development strategy through grassroots football and technical methodology export.

The Idaho project is scheduled to open between June 2–5, beginning with talent identification sessions led by Villarreal-affiliated coaches. Selected players will train under the club’s established technical framework, which emphasizes physical, mental, and emotional development in line with the standards applied at its professional training center in Spain.

Villarreal CF Continues to Build Its U.S. Youth Infrastructure

The new Villarreal Idaho Academy adds to a growing footprint across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where Villarreal CF has strategically positioned youth academies to identify and develop talent, while expanding its brand in competitive football markets.

Unlike occasional camps or short-term visits, Villarreal’s academy model is structured around long-term development, localized coaching integration, and the club’s proprietary methodology. The approach supports both technical skill progression and broader personal development for players aged across multiple categories.

Strategic Goals: Branding, Talent Development, and Market Engagement Villarreal CF Idaho

The initiative is part of Villarreal’s effort to extend its global identity through localized partnerships and permanent training facilities. While talent identification is a key component, the academies also serve as vehicles for:

• International brand recognition

• Access to emerging youth markets

• Soft-market entry for future commercial or media partnerships

• Strengthening cultural and sporting ties between Spain and host countries

  
  

According to Luis Monjaras, Director of Villarreal Idaho Academy, the goal is to provide a professional framework that benefits players, coaches, and families alike. “Collaborating with Villarreal CF is a great advantage for everyone involved,” he said. “We aim to offer fun, engaging opportunities for young players to develop their skills — physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Global Academy Strategy Reaches 14+ Countries

With academies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Kuwait, UAE, Thailand, and Uruguay, Villarreal CF is one of the few European clubs operating an academically structured youth development network across multiple continents.

The Idaho launch reflects a sustained focus on strategic geographies, particularly the U.S., where demand for structured youth development tied to European clubs remains high. Villarreal’s method — exporting its training philosophy and technical infrastructure rather than merely branding — enables the club to maintain quality control and long-term relevance in each market.