Roses Platja Bets Big on Youth: How a Beach Soccer Powerhouse Is Reinventing Itself in 2026

ROSES, Spain — The sand is shifting under the feet of one of beach soccer’s most decorated clubs. Roses Platja, a global benchmark for player development, is embarking on its most radical transformation in a decade. With its senior men’s team stripped of international stars and local legends, the Catalan club is staking its future on a bold experiment: fielding the youngest roster in Spain’s top flight while simultaneously expanding its academy to unprecedented levels.

“This isn’t a rebuild—it’s a redefinition,” Dani Haro, president of Roses Platja, told Diari de Girona in an exclusive interview. “We’re choosing to invest in the future rather than mortgage it.”

The Fall of the Star System

For years, Roses Platja has been synonymous with dominance. The club’s senior men’s team has consistently contended for Spain’s three major trophies—the Liga, Copa, and Supercopa—thanks to a core of homegrown talent and high-profile international reinforcements. Players like Suli Batis, Ramy Saghdani, Marc Borràs, Ridu El Bassri, and Moussa Chaatouf became household names in beach soccer circles, their skills honed on the same Catalan sands where they first learned the game.

But 2026 has brought a harsh reality. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has withdrawn the financial subsidy that allowed Roses Platja to retain its elite players. Without that funding, the club can no longer afford to pay its stars—many of whom rely on beach soccer as their primary income. “They’re players who survive thanks to beach soccer, and this year One can’t offer them anything economically,” Haro admitted. “We discussed it for months, but it’s impossible.”

The departures are seismic. Batis, Saghdani, Borràs, El Bassri, and Chaatouf—all pillars of the team’s recent success—will not compete in the 2026 Liga. Instead, they will remain with the club in coaching roles, training the next generation. “None of them wanted to depart home,” Haro said. “But the volatile reality of minority sports has upended our ambitions.”

A New Blueprint: Youth, Depth, and Experience

Roses Platja’s response to this crisis is a multi-pronged strategy designed to turn adversity into opportunity. The centerpiece? A senior men’s team with an average age of just 18—the youngest in Spain’s top division. The club is betting that its academy products, many of whom have already tasted success at youth levels, can step up to the senior stage.

“These are particularly talented and promising players who still have to explode,” a club spokesperson told Diari Catalunya. The goal for 2026 is clear: survival in the top flight, with an eye toward long-term growth. To bolster the young squad, Roses Platja has made one key international signing: Argentine coach Maxi Ponzetti, whose experience in beach soccer’s tactical nuances is expected to guide the team through its transitional year.

The club is also expanding its infrastructure. A new reserve team will compete in Spain’s Segunda División, providing a bridge between the academy and the senior squad. This team will be composed of former first-team players, offering them a pathway to stay involved while mentoring younger talents. Meanwhile, the senior women’s team will compete in the second division with promotion as its target, further diversifying the club’s competitive footprint.

From Factory to Ecosystem: The Academy’s Evolution

Roses Platja has long been hailed as a “talent factory,” a reputation built on its ability to produce elite players from its youth ranks. In 2026, the club is doubling down on that identity, not just as a producer of talent but as a holistic development ecosystem. The academy will now field four teams per age category, a significant increase from previous years, ensuring more players have access to high-level training and competition.

“We’re not just looking to replace the stars we’ve lost,” Haro explained. “We’re building a system where talent can emerge organically, year after year. The goal is to create a pipeline so robust that we’re never again dependent on a handful of players.”

The shift reflects a broader trend in beach soccer, where clubs are increasingly prioritizing sustainability over short-term success. With the sport still fighting for mainstream recognition, Roses Platja’s approach could serve as a model for other clubs facing similar financial constraints.

What’s Next for Roses Platja?

The 2026 season kicks off in early May, with the senior men’s team set to face its first Liga opponents on May 9. The opening match, against defending champions Levante UD, will be a baptism by fire for the club’s young roster. Meanwhile, the reserve team and women’s squad will begin their campaigns in the coming weeks, with their schedules to be announced by the RFEF.

For fans, the season will be a test of patience. Without its star power, Roses Platja is unlikely to contend for trophies this year. But the club’s leadership is framing the season as a necessary step in a larger journey. “We’re not giving up on winning,” Haro said. “We’re just redefining how we get there.”

Key Takeaways for 2026

• Youngest roster in Spain’s top flight: The senior men’s team will have an average age of 18, the lowest in Primera División.
• No international stars: The loss of RFEF funding has forced the club to release its marquee players, including Suli Batis, Ramy Saghdani, and Marc Borràs.
• Academy expansion: Roses Platja will field four teams per age category, up from previous years, to deepen its talent pipeline.
• New reserve team: A Segunda División squad will serve as a bridge between the academy and senior team, featuring former first-team players.
• Women’s team targets promotion: The senior women’s squad will compete in the second division with the goal of earning promotion.
• One international reinforcement: Argentine coach Maxi Ponzetti is the sole high-profile addition to the senior men’s team.

How to Follow Roses Platja in 2026

Fans can stay updated on the club’s progress through the following official channels:

• Official website: rosesplatja.cat
• RFEF beach soccer page: rfef.es (for fixtures, standings, and results)
• Social media: Roses Platja’s official accounts on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook

The club’s first Liga match of the season is scheduled for May 9 against Levante UD. Kickoff time and venue will be confirmed by the RFEF in the coming days.

What do you think of Roses Platja’s youth-focused strategy? Will it pay off in the long run, or is the club taking too big a risk? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Archysport for more in-depth coverage of beach soccer and beyond.