Athletic Bilbao Academy Scholarship 2024/2025

Welcome to our guide on joining the Athletic Bilbao Football Academy! In this comprehensive article, we will delve into various aspects such as the overview of the academy, the iconic Athletic Bilbao Stadium, details about the academy itself, and finally, how you can become a part of this prestigious institution.

So, let’s dive right in and explore the exciting world of the Athletic Bilbao Football Academy!

About Athletic Bilbao Football Club

Athletic Bilbao serves as the second team for Athletic Club, a football club situated in Bilbao, within the Basque Country in Spain. Currently, they are competing in the Segunda Federación – Group 2.

Established in 1964, the team hosts their matches at a cosy stadium located at the club’s training facility in Lezama, accommodating 3,250 spectators. However, for significant fixtures, they occasionally move to the grand San Mamés Stadium, which can hold up to 53,500 passionate fans.

Trophies Won By Athletic Bilbao Football Club

Athletic Bilbao has established itself as one of the most triumphant clubs in La Liga, securing an impressive eight titles. Their remarkable achievements place them in the esteemed fourth position among the league’s most successful teams. When it comes to Copa del Rey titles, Athletic Bilbao stands proudly in second place, just behind Barcelona, with an astounding 23 victories to their name.

Athletic Bilbao Football Club Academy

In the year 1971, Athletic Bilbao unveiled its Lezama facilities, marking the beginning of a new era. Recognizing the importance of nurturing local talent, the club established a training centre for its professional team and a football academy for its youth squads.

Situated in the charming village of Lezama, just 15 kilometres away from Bilbao, these facilities have become the heart and soul of the Athletic Club. The youth teams based in Lezama not only reinforce the club’s commitment to developing local talent but also symbolize its core values.

The club understood that to continue progressing, it was essential to have a dedicated training centre for the professionals and a top-notch academy for the aspiring young players. This vision became a reality at Lezama, which has now become synonymous with the club’s renowned development system.

How To Join Athletic Bilbao Football Academy

To join the Academy, one must participate in the yearly selection exams held in April and May. The Club announces the start of official registration on its website https://athleticclubfundazioa.eus/en/sportingsandacademics/Lezamaand through different media platforms, inviting individuals of all ages to apply.

This allows anyone interested to submit their requests and required details. Once the application deadline has passed, all participants will be notified about the date and venue for the selection process.

Athletic Bilbao Football Academy Scholarship

The Athletic Club Foundation has been running a scholarship program for athletes who have left the club due to sporting reasons in the past few seasons. These scholarships, provided by the Foundation, aim to acknowledge and reward the dedication exhibited by former Lezama footballers in balancing their sports careers with their education.

The recipients of these scholarships are chosen by the sports management team, who assess the player’s commitment to both sports and academics during their time at Lezama. In recent years, numerous male and female players have been fortunate enough to receive a fully-funded year of studies through the Foundation. These studies have taken place at local universities, as well as in the United States and Ireland.

How To Apply For Athletic Bilbao Football Academy

To apply for a scholarship at the Athletic Bilbao football academy through their online process, adhere to these guidelines:

1. Complete the Athletic Bilbao Academy’s online Application Form designated for Sponsorship/Scholarship at https://athleticclubfundazioa.eus/en/sportingsandacademics/lezama-scholarships/
2. Ensure accurate and complete details are provided as requested in the form.
3. Attach the necessary documents by dragging and dropping them into the online application form.
4. Finalize your application by clicking the ‘send application’ button to enrol in the online Scholarship trials.

Requirements for Applying for the Athletic Bilbao Football Academy Scholarship

1. Academic Reports: Applicants must provide high school grades and teacher recommendations.
2. Athletic Evaluation: Passing an Athletic Test conducted by an Athletic Bilbao Foundation-affiliated soccer academy is mandatory.
3. Financial Need: Eligibility includes children under Medicaid and those benefiting from free or reduced school lunch programs.
4. Family Financial History: Reviewing family tax records is part of the application process.
5. Conduct and Academic Performance: Submission of recent report cards or formal school letters detailing conduct and grades is necessary.
6. Athletic Achievement: Successful completion of a Player Assessment from partner soccer academies is required.

FAQs On Athletic Bilbao Football Academy

1. Can a foreigner play for Athletic Bilbao?

• The club will only sign players who were born in the Basque Country or who learned their football skills at a Basque club.

2. Where is Athletic Bilbao located?

• The club is located in Bilbao Spain.

3. Where do Athletic Bilbao train?

• The club has its training ground at the Lezama Facilities.

4. Can anyone play for Athletic Bilbao?

• The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country.