Athletic Club announced on Thursday afternoon the creation of the Athletic Club Academy, a new football and training academy that will operate from the Lezama facilities. This initiative will absorb the existing Eskola and establish new competitive teams in the U-8 mixed category, for boys and girls born in 2017 and 2018. Notably, these teams will not be part of Lezama's youth academy and will not wear official Athletic jerseys.
According to the club's website, the newly formed academy "is a natural extension of Lezama, an academy born from the prestige of the rojiblanco factory, offering specialized football services at the highest level." The entity highlights that this launch serves a dual purpose: firstly, it provides participants with the opportunity to train in a center with ideal facilities, methodology, and support to reach their highest potential; secondly, it contributes to the club's economic sustainability and its network of affiliated clubs, completing a cycle that allows Athletic to project into the future while preserving its unique identity.
The Ibaigane-based club has already opened the registration process for parents interested in enrolling their children. The teams will train twice a week at Lezama, on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The teams will be designed and managed entirely by Athletic Club Academy, with coaches from the club itself, ensuring "coherent, continuous training aligned with the rojiblanco methodology," as stated by Athletic. It is emphasized that these U-8 teams will "not be part of the youth academy, but rather of its Foundation," while sharing "the same essence": a common understanding of football based on demand, progressive development, and the personal and sporting growth of each player in a high-level training environment.
The cost for interested participants is 160 euros per month per child, or 150 euros for club members. Additionally, an initial enrollment fee of 90 euros is required, which includes two game kits, training wear, a tracksuit, and a parka. A shuttle service will also be available for those unable to transport their children to Lezama, costing an additional 40 euros per month (or 35 euros for members).
