Girona FC is launching a new development team, Girona C, to compete in Quarta Catalana for the 2026-27 season as part of an expanded international recruitment and training program targeting North American players. The club will integrate these athletes into the lowest tier of Catalan football to provide a full competitive league experience from September through May.
Girona C Entry into Quarta Catalana
Girona FC announced in April that it is establishing Girona C to serve as a dedicated football development program. While the club initially considered using the squad for a series of friendly matches to facilitate the training of foreign players, officials decided to register the team in Quarta Catalana instead. This move ensures that participants face the structural responsibilities of a formal league season, including the potential for play-offs in June.
The decision to start from the bottom of the Catalan football pyramid allows the club to implement a “zero-start” approach.
North American Focus and Global Expansion
Girona already operates training programs in the U.S., including a dedicated campus in Pennsylvania. This infrastructure supports a wider ecosystem of “football experiences” tailored for players between the ages of 7 and 23 from across the globe.
The Competitive Structure of Catalan Football
The program’s timeline aligns with the standard European calendar, with the 2026-27 campaign beginning in September. If the squad achieves the necessary results, they could compete in promotion play-offs during June, providing a high-stakes conclusion to the developmental cycle.
Strategic Implications for Player Development
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