Valencia, Spain – Carlos Corberán, head coach of Valencia CF, underscored the importance of readiness in the face of constant challenges within football, speaking to a gathering of coaches from around the world this week. His message, “Football always presents us with challenges; we have to be prepared to overcome them,” resonated with the 60 technical directors participating in the III VCF Academy Coaches Convention, held at the Antonio Puchades Stadium and the Ciutat Esportiva.
The convention, which began last Monday, brings together coaches from the diverse network of countries where Valencia CF operates its VCF Academy Programs. Participants hail from Mexico, Canada, Lithuania, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Serbia, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Corberán took the opportunity to learn about their perform in their respective nations, expressing gratitude for their presence and encouraging their continued development as football educators.
The event isn’t simply a series of talks; it’s an intensive training program. Coaches are engaging in both theoretical sessions and practical field work, with opportunities to directly question the technical staff of Valencia’s youth teams – VCF Juvenil B and VCF Juvenil A – and participate in workshops focused on methodology, identity, analysis, physical preparation, scouting, and talent management. The aim is to reinforce the core values of the Valencia CF Academy and equip coaches to nurture players not only for competitive success but also to represent the club’s identity with pride on a global stage.
This emphasis on a unified academy philosophy is central to Valencia CF’s broader international expansion. The club’s VCF Academy Programs now encompass VCF Soccer Academies in strategic markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, alongside VCF Soccer Camps, international partnerships, technical consulting services, and the VCF Academy World Cup. These initiatives are designed to extend the Valencia CF brand and its values worldwide.
The meeting with Corberán concluded with a group photograph at the Antonio Puchades Stadium, marking the continuation of the intensive training sessions. The club highlighted the importance of deepening the understanding of the Academy VCF’s identity and translating its values into different contexts.
Valencia CF’s commitment to youth development is evident in the scale of its academy programs, which currently involve over 5,000 players and 400 coaches from more than 50 countries. This global reach underscores the club’s ambition to develop into a leading force in international football development.
Corberán’s own journey to the head coaching position at Valencia CF is a testament to the power of dedication and continuous learning. Born in Cheste, Spain, in 1983, he began his career as a goalkeeper, playing for Valencia B, Burjassot, and Ribarroja before transitioning to coaching at a young age. He has since managed Doxa Katokopias and Ermis Aradippou in Cyprus, served as an assistant coach and under-23s manager at Leeds United, and held positions at Huddersfield Town, Olympiacos, and West Bromwich Albion before returning to his boyhood club in December 2024. His experience provides a valuable perspective for the coaches attending the convention.
The III VCF Academy Coaches Convention isn’t just about tactical instruction; it’s about fostering a global community of coaches dedicated to developing the next generation of footballers. By sharing best practices and reinforcing a common identity, Valencia CF aims to create a lasting impact on the game, both on and off the pitch.
Looking ahead, Valencia CF will continue to expand its VCF Academy Programs, providing opportunities for young players and coaches around the world to connect with the club’s renowned methodology and values. The next major event for the academy will be the VCF Academy World Cup, details of which will be announced in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on Valencia CF’s global academy expansion? Share your comments below, and let us know what you think of Corberán’s message to the coaches.
