The RCD Espanyol Jinan Academy opened on Aug 3, bringing world-class youth training programs from Spain to Jinan.

RCD Espanyol, founded on Oct 28, 1900, is a long-standing member of Spain's top football league. As the first club in the country established by Spaniards, it holds a unique place in Spanish football history.

RCD Espanyol was one of the 13 clubs selected by the UEFA confederation to study the evolution of young talent from around the world.

The aim is to analysis and discover how the most talented players of the future in elite football club Sare being trained today.

Some of the biggest and most prestigious clubs around the world are involved, with RCD Espanyol, in the study to gain an understanding of how the teams operate, the intrinsic elements such as their philosophy and culture and knowledge of their members via interviews with key participants.

As RCD Espanyol's second official academy in China, the Jinan academy is fully aligned with the club's renowned LA21 youth development system, mirroring the training methods used at its Spanish headquarters.

The academy is managed by a technical director and coaching staff appointed directly by the club, who oversee all daily operations and training. They also receive ongoing support and guidance from Espanyol's coaching team in Spain.

Players will not only receive authentic Spanish-style training but also enjoy unique international opportunities:

Each year, selected squads travel to Spain once or twice to compete in global youth tournaments and experience LaLiga matches firsthand.

As an official academy, top talents are scouted annually for trials at the club's headquarters, offering a direct pathway into Espanyol's professional youth system.