More than 50 LaLiga ProPlayer footballers are studying in the US

Within the academies of LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs hundreds of promising young footballers are developed every year with only so many places available to take the next step into fulltime professional footballTo make the most of their sporting talent and support the growth of these youngsters clubs are working on new ways to help the continued development of their academy products even if ultimately it may not be within the club itselfOver the past two years LaLiga ProPlayer has become an attractive new option for young Spanish footballers who are keen to continue their academic learning at the same time as developing as an athlete within the United Statesrsquo collegiate sports systemStudent feedbackAs the 202021 academic year gets underway in spite of the difficulties caused by the COVID19 pandemic the current students are very positive when evaluating their experiencesPablo Guilleacuten a former player of CD Lugo who is studying at the University of Evansville said ldquoItrsquos impressive to experience this in the first person The treatment of the athletes the university facilities and the way everything is well looked after creates a very professional atmosphere that makes you feel like yoursquore in a movierdquoWhile this semester will be unique for everyone it hasnrsquot stopped the footballers from working with motivation ahead of the start of the new season in January Ahead of this all of the universities and the bodies that regulate collegiate sports are working in these first months of the semester to ensure that sporting competition can return with full safety guarantees for the players students and othersAs Jose Contell a former player at Valencia CF and a student at the University of California Los Angeles explained ldquoEven though this situation is strange for everyone Irsquoll be able to start my classes at UCLA by working online from Spain and Irsquoll be able to continue training with Valencia CF As such Irsquoll be able to stay in form and it means Irsquoll be prepared ahead of flying out to Los Angeles in January to fully enjoy this amazing experience that wersquore about to beginrdquoThanks to the way the education system in the United States works the players will be able to move to their universities and continue their studies halfway through the year in January as their second semesters startThis means that many youngsters still have the chance to benefit from the scholarships being offered at these universities and to form part of the LaLiga ProPlayer programmeOver 5 million in fundingThe objective of the programme led and backed by LaLiga is to offer footballers between 16 and 22 years old the chance to achieve their sporting objectives while gaining valuable academic qualifications at the same timeThe programme has received the support of every LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank club including academy directors At every stage of the journey the players receive a personalised consultation with added support in preparing for SAT and TOEFL examsThanks to the programme which is supported by every LaLiga club and also backed by Banco Santander and AGM 51 players from the youth systems of Spainrsquos top academies have earned scholarships from leading American universities with their studies being either partially or completely paid for The funding secured so far has already surpassed US5m working out at an average of US32000 per player per yearKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates hereAlso download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updatesMidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news