Villarreal CF Abu Dhabi Academy The journey
begins on June 1st. Limited places available.

Our purpose

More than football. A school of life.

For more than a century, Villarreal CF has been forming players who lead — on and off the pitch. In Abu Dhabi, we bring the same methodology, the same demand and the same family values. Every training session is part of a long journey: technique, character, respect.

Programs

Six categories. One academy.

From first touch at five years old to elite preparation at sixteen — every age has its program, its format and its coaches.

U6 Born 2020 – 2021

First Steps

Football 8 · Mixed

4 groups · 15 players
1 coach per 15 players
3 sessions / week

U8 Born 2018 – 2019

Discovery

Football 8 · Mixed

4 groups · 15 players
Goalkeeper coach included
3 sessions / week

U10 Born 2016 – 2017

Foundation

Football 8 · Mixed

4 groups · 15 players
Goalkeeper coach included
3 sessions / week

U12 Born 2014 – 2015

Development

Football 8 · Mixed

4 groups · 15 players
Goalkeeper coach included
3 sessions / week

U14 Born 2012 – 2013

Performance

Football 11 · Mixed

2 groups · 15 – 20 players
Goalkeeper coach included
3 sessions / week

U16 Born 2010 – 2011

Elite

Football 11 · Mixed

2 groups · 15 – 20 players
Goalkeeper coach included
3 sessions / week

Girls are welcome in every category. Dedicated goalkeeper coaching from U8 onwards.

Methodology

The Villarreal way.

A model born in La Plana, exported to the world. Possession, intelligence, character.

01

Ratio 1 : 15

One qualified coach for every fifteen players, supported by assistants. Personal feedback in every session.

02

Game-based learning

Real situations, real decisions. Players learn through guided play, not isolated drills.

03

Goalkeeper specialists

Dedicated goalkeeper coach for every age category from U8.

04

Weekend matches

Regular fixtures against other Abu Dhabi academies. Compete, learn, repeat.

05

Two formats

Football 8 for U6 – U12, Football 11 for U14 – U16. Each format taught at the right age.

06

Character first

Respect, effort, humility. The same values that built the Yellow Submarine.

Schedule

Three sessions a week.
One hundred and eight a year.

16:15First session starts

22:00Last session ends

1h 15Per session

15 minPitch rotation

3×Sessions / week

108Sessions / season

Plus weekend matches against other academies in Abu Dhabi.

Optional service

Door-to-door bus.

An optional shuttle picks up your child before training and drops them home after the session. One less thing to worry about.

Routes and pricing confirmed at registration based on your address.

Bus service Pick-up · Training · Drop-off

Facilities & team

Built for performance.

Professional pitches, a technical staff certified in the Villarreal CF methodology and a coaching ratio that lets every player be seen. Full team and facility details will be published as the season opens.

FAQ

Everything parents ask us.

What ages can join the academy?

From U6 (born 2020 – 2021) up to U16 (born 2010 – 2011). Boys and girls are equally welcome in every category.

How is my child's category decided?

By year of birth, never by school year. We ask for the year of birth at registration to avoid confusion.

What does the registration fee include?

The registration fee covers the training kit, match kit, backpack, cap and welcome pack. Additional items will be confirmed shortly.

How often do they train?

Three sessions per week of 1 hour 15 minutes each, plus weekend matches against other Abu Dhabi academies. A total of 108 sessions per season.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes. From the second sibling enrolled, an automatic 10% discount is applied to the annual fee.

Which payment methods are accepted?

Credit / debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, and monthly instalments via Tabby and Tamara.

Do you offer transportation?

Yes, an optional bus service picks up and drops off players based on your address. You can request it during registration.

Is goalkeeper coaching included?

Yes. From U8 onwards every age category has a dedicated goalkeeper coach.

Limited places

Your child's season starts here.

Secure a place before the categories close. Registration takes less than two minutes.

Location

Find us.

35 Al Mithaq St

Madinat Al Riyad, Baniyas North

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Get directions →

Open in Google Maps

Securing your place…

About us

About Villarreal CF Academy Abu Dhabi

A LaLiga legacy, now in the heart of the UAE.

Villarreal CF — the "Yellow Submarine" — is one of Spain's most respected football clubs and a regular in European competition. Now, that same elite training methodology arrives in Abu Dhabi, designed to develop young players aged 6 to 16 with the same standards used in Spain.

Our Mission

To form not just better players, but better people. We believe football is a school for life: discipline, teamwork, respect, and resilience. Every training session is a step toward becoming a complete athlete and a confident young adult.

The Villarreal Method

Our coaching staff follows the official Villarreal CF curriculum — the same training philosophy that has produced players competing in LaLiga and across Europe. Sessions focus on:

Technical mastery — ball control, passing, finishing.
Tactical intelligence — game reading, decision-making, positioning.
Physical development — age-appropriate strength, agility, and endurance.
Mental growth — focus, leadership, and handling pressure.

Who We Are For

Boys and girls between 6 and 16 years old who love football — from absolute beginners to players preparing for competitive trials. Every group is split by age and skill level so each child trains where they belong.

Why Families Choose Us

Official Villarreal CF branded program — not a franchise, not a lookalike.
UEFA-licensed coaches trained under the Villarreal methodology.
World-class facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Pathway opportunities for top players to attend training stays in Villa-real, Spain.
Safe, structured environment trusted by parents.