Spanish top-flight club Real Betis Balompié has expanded its international youth development programme to The Gambia with the launch of the Real Betis Academy Gambia, offering young footballers the opportunity to train under the club’s renowned coaching methodology.

The academy is designed to nurture and develop Gambian talent by introducing participants to the same training philosophy used by the Spanish club’s youth system.

In its first phase, the academy will cater to boys and girls aged between 10 and 18, with enrolment capped at 120 players. Participants will be divided into two training groups and will attend sessions every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Unique Heritage Talent Management Group, the academy’s local partner, which will oversee its operations in The Gambia.

The launch is expected to create new pathways for aspiring Gambian footballers by exposing them to European coaching standards while strengthening grassroots football development in the country.

Real Betis, one of Spain’s most historic football clubs, has established several international academies as part of its global strategy to identify and develop young talent while promoting the club’s football philosophy beyond Spain.