Spain is renowned for producing outstanding soccer players. Its world-class infrastructure and fiercely competitive professional leagues offer an ideal environment for players to hone their skills and reach their full potential.
For a few years now, there has been strong investment in women’s soccer, giving it much more visibility in terms of advertising, television broadcasts, and much more.
All of this is now reflected in the training areas of professional teams, private academies, and women’s football camps, making women’s football increasingly relevant on Spanish soil.
One example of Spain’s excellence in soccer is its national team, the reigning world champions. The country is also home to F.C. Barcelona, one of Europe’s most successful teams over the past decade.
How can I choose the best soccer camp for my daughter?
Before choosing the best soccer camps for your daughter, you should be aware that there are three main types of camps.
Some academies offer mixed training camps where girls and boys participate in the same sessions, following an identical competitive and instructional approach throughout the camp program.
Generally, these mixed camps are designed for young children up to approximately 10 years of age. This is because soccer skills tend to be similar during the early years, although slight but noticeable differences can still be observed.
- A mixed camp is a great opportunity for your daughter to interact with other kids and take her first steps in soccer
We recommend this type of program the most because it allows girls to interact in an environment designed specifically for them, alongside peers of similar age and experience.
In addition, the training sessions focus on fully developing players’ technical skills and core abilities, tailored primarily to the players’ age and skill level.
At the same time, from a recreational perspective, they can also enjoy additional benefits and activities exclusively planned for girls.
- Exclusive camps for girls are the best option to start training in soccer. Girls quickly become familiar with their environment, coaches, and all aspects of taking part in sports.
Which are the best girls' football camps?
Now, after deciding whether your daughter will attend a mixed camp or an all-girls camp, it’s time to think about what type of institution or organization you’d like to organize the camp.
Camps offered by professional clubs
In women’s soccer, as in men’s, we can find academies affiliated with professional clubs that offer camps and tryouts to assess players from various regions, in order to attempt to recruit the very best sportswomen for their youth divisions.
The advantage of enrolling your daughter in a camp from a club in Spain is that if she excels in training and matches, she will be directly integrated into the team’s training system, keeping her on their radar throughout her development.
In addition, the player and her parents will enjoy all the comforts and services the club can offer.
Club camps like F.C. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and similar teams are a great option for girls as they have a high level of competitiveness and good visibility in terms of scouting.
The players who stand out the most will become part of the lower divisions and the team’s overall structure.
Private camps
The remaining options regarding soccer camps for girls are those offered by private institutions.
These camps are typically well-organized and attract top talent, fostering a highly competitive environment in every session.
In addition, several league club scouts visit the camp to assess the players’ skill levels. At the same time, the training sessions tend to be a bit more individualized and focused on each player’s personal development.
- The private camps are specifically designed for players, offering a high level of exposure for female football players. Scouts from different teams are invited to attend the training sessions, providing valuable visibility and opportunities.
- Each player undergoes a personalized performance analysis, focusing on their strengths and identifying areas for improvement.
With these points in mind, we’d now like to tell you all about the best soccer camps for girls in Spain.
#1. Best High-Performance Camp: F.C. Barcelona
The Barcelona High-Performance Academy offers an exclusive summer camp for girls that provides a top-level experience.
As a testament to its excellence, this academy has produced talents like Aitana Bonmatí, a World Cup champion with Spain and Ballon d’Or winner for her achievements with her club.
This camp offers high-intensity sessions led by former professional players and certified coaches from some of the best clubs in Europe.
The coaches use video analysis and other technological resources to assess player performance and help them improve on the pitch.
Key Aspects of the F.C. Barcelona High-Performance Camp
- For outfield players or goalkeepers aged 14 to 21
- Customized to the players’ skills and performance
- All coaches hold a UEFA Pro License or Marcet Training Course Certificate
- Training for 17 to 20 hours a week, with recovery sessions and recreational activities
- Talks on nutrition and sports psychology
Where do the players stay?
The players stay at the Ágora University Residence, just a 15-minute walk from the club’s training facilities.
It has double and quadruple rooms with single beds and private bathrooms. Additionally, there are common areas for the girls to relax and enjoy their free time in the games room, TV room, and indoor pool, all with complimentary Wi-Fi.
There is also a dining area where they can enjoy three meals every day, all designed to support a balanced diet for optimal sports performance.
#2. Best Academy in Madrid: Real Madrid Campus Experience
The Real Madrid camp is an excellent option for female soccer players, based in the Spanish capital. It is aimed at players who already have a certain level of soccer skills and who play frequently.
It provides a comprehensive experience with a holistic approach. Most of the time is focused on improving the players’ soccer skills.
However, it does also provide the option of exclusive visits and recreational activities so that players can take home some lovely memories and get a break from their daily routine.
Key Aspects of the Real Madrid Camp
- Accepts players aged from 10 to 17 years
- Top-level competitive training
- Training takes place in Valdebebas, the Real Madrid training complex
- It offers an internal option (with accommodation) and an external option (without accommodation)
- The players stay at the Madrid European University of Madrid
#3. Best Institutional Camp: LaLiga Campus
The LaLiga Foundation organizes women’s football camps throughout Spain for players of different categories.
It’s a very inclusive camp that focuses on developing the players’ technical skills and sports mentality, with medium intensity and skill level in their training sessions.
Their coaches have extensive experience training soccer players at the highest level, creating an ideal environment for learning and development.
Key Aspects of the LaLiga Camp
- It provides a comprehensive experience
- They emphasize cultivating a strong sports mindset
- They offer insightful talks on managing success and failure
- Recreational activities
- Fully backed by La Liga
#4. Best All-Inclusive Camp: Girona F.C. (co-ed/mixed)
The Girona F.C. campus offers boys and girls aged 5 to 15 the opportunity to develop their soccer abilities and have a truly top-level experience.
The boys and girls will enjoy personalized attention in the training sessions, and the entire campus structure is designed to provide a fun, positive, and safe learning experience.
On top of this, they benefit from the support and collaboration of local and international clubs and associations, ensuring the children have an unforgettable all-round experience.
Key Aspects of the Girona F.C. Camp
- All the coaches are trained using the Girona F.C. methodology – a leading team in the men’s first division in Spain
- The campus is designed to accommodate players of different football skill levels
- The attendees are divided into groups according to their age and level
- There are programs at Christmas, Easter, and in the summer
#5. Best Private Camp: IMG Academy (co-ed/mixed)
IMG Academy is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized private academies in Europe and across the globe.
They are currently offering a Private Camp for boys and girls aged 12 to 18 years at their excellent facilities in Barcelona.
The camp is held at the Hamelin-Laie International School in Barcelona, with training led by certified professionals, ensuring a completely safe environment for all participants.
Key Aspects of the IMG Academy Camp
- Different types of training sessions to improve technique, confidence, mindset, and concentration, as well as sharpening problem-solving skills
- The aim is to develop the players’ mental strength and resilience
- A primary focus on the players’ technical skills and essential tactical principles
- Drills focus on 2 v 2, 2 v 3, and 2 v 4 to strengthen the players’ individual skills, as well as their defensive responsibilities on the pitch
- A strong competitive spirit and a sense of teamwork
The Best Soccer Camp for Girls in Spain is now within your reach
To conclude, we highly recommend you to carefully evaluate all the different aspects of each camp and then choose the program that best aligns with your daughter’s needs and interests.
If your goal is to significantly improve your skills and reach a professional standard, the most recommended options are High-Performance Camps, which are highly competitive.
The greater the challenge, the better the results are likely to be. However, each case is unique, and, as a parent, it’s important to assess your daughter’s current level and decide what will be best for her.
The path to a career in professional women’s soccer can be tough and demanding, but in the end it yields great rewards.