Team Herald
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SAO JOSE DE AREAL: Real Betis Academy conducted its official camp at The King’s School in collaboration with The King’s Sports Academy, here, recently. This marked the first time that Real Betis organised such a camp in India and the first time a La Liga club has conducted a camp in the State.
The camp was open to children aged 8 to 18, both boys and girls. Javier López, the Real Betis Academy International Coordinator and coach Carlos Ferrete, both UEFA-certified coaches with extensive global experience, travelled from Spain to lead the camp.
Over the course of three days, 125 young players participated, learning the Spanish La Liga style of football through the Real Betis methodology.
A brief excerpt with Javier López, Real Betis Academy international coordinator:
What is your impression of the talent in Goa?
I think Goa has many players with natural passion and enthusiasm for football. The raw talent is there, but sometimes it just needs the right environment and proper guidance to shine. I was impressed by how quickly the players understand instructions and how eager they are to learn.
What do you think needs to be done to make them truly world class?
In my opinion, the key is structured training from a young age, with qualified coaches and a clear methodology. Players here adapt and learn very fast when concepts are explained, so if they are given consistent high-level training and the right football culture around them, they can develop to a world-class level.
Have you seen anyone who you feel can go far in the game?
Yes, I have seen players who, with the right support and exposure, can definitely go far. They may not yet have the complete skill set, but their capacity to absorb information, their work ethic, and their attitude on the pitch give them strong potential.
What do you think needs to be done to improve the quality of the game in Goa?
I believe the most important step is to invest in education for both players and coaches. Developing a proper football culture with better training facilities, structured youth academies, and regular competitive matches would raise the level quickly. The players are hungry to learn – they just need the right context.
How was the Real Betis camp in Goa?
The Real Betis camp Goa was an excellent experience. It gave the players exposure to professional methodology and helped them understand what football looks like at a Spanish level. I could see how much they enjoyed it and how fast they picked up new concepts. For me, it was proof that with the right opportunities, the players here can grow a lot.
