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LaLiga's Villarreal opening football academy in Kuala Lumpur

LaLiga club Villarreal are opening football academy in Kuala Lumpur, headed by managing director Jonathan Abishegam (left) and CEO Massimo Giannelli. (PHOTO: Villarreal CF)
LaLiga club Villarreal are opening football academy in Kuala Lumpur, headed by managing director Jonathan Abishegam (left) and CEO Massimo Giannelli. (PHOTO: Villarreal CF)

Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal CF are opening a new football academy in Kuala Lumpur, with capacity to coach more than 400 footballers from three to 21 years old.

The academy is scheduled to start operating in August, and its trainees will not only have the chance to train under the methodology of the LaLiga club, but also have opportunities to visit Spain to train with or play friendly matches against Villarreal Academy teams.

Jonathan Abishegam, managing director at Villarreal Malaysia Academy, believes the academy will provide great opportunities for young footballers all across Malaysia.

"We believe that the methodology that we will adopt and the knowledge that we will learn from Villarreal, combined with our amazing facilities and experienced coaching team, will create an opportunity for our players to experience the highest standards available that will set them apart," he said.

"We want to give an equal opportunity to boys and girls of all backgrounds as much as we can. Whether it’s for the player looking for a fun recreational program playing with their friends or the young aspiring talent who dreams of playing football in Europe, these opportunities will be made available here at Villarreal Malaysia Academy.”

The academy plans to expand its reach by opening centres all over the country.

"Our mission is to be as inclusive as we can and offer the programme to everyone and instil within them the love of the game of football," said chief executive officer Massimo Giannelli.

Besides the Villarreal Malaysia Academy, Villarreal has various academies around the world, as part of the Villarreal Academy project, in countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Israel, Australia and South Korea.

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