Historic partnership between DBS International Academy and RCD Espanyol opens doors for young Brazilians in European soccer

The DBS International Academy has just announced an official partnership collaboration with Barcelona's RCD Espanyol, creating a direct path for those who dream of developing their career in European soccer. Located in Dublin, the Irish academy now acts as a gateway to one of the most traditional clubs in Spain.

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What makes this partnership relevant for Brazilian athletes

Dublin isn't the first destination that comes to mind when we think of high-level soccer. But the Irish capital has built its reputation as a strategic hub for the development of international athletes. The DBS International Academy has been operating since 2010, welcoming players from several continents, including North America, Oceania, Europe, and the Caribbean.

The difference lies in the combination of professional training and a safe environment for improving English. Young people between 13 and 18 years old can train in first-rate facilities while developing fluency in the language. For teenagers, this represents an opportunity for dual growth: technical skills in the field and language competence outside it.

Ireland offers practical advantages that make it easy to adapt. The country is renowned for its hospitality, safety, and strong sporting culture. Vocational programs in Ireland allow Brazilian teenagers to immerse themselves in this environment while focusing on athletic development.

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RCD Espanyol: tradition and talent formation

Founded in 1900, RCD Espanyol carries over a century of history in Spanish soccer. The club currently ranks fourth in La Liga, competing at the highest level of European soccer. But what really sets Espanyol apart is its work in the basic categories.

The club's academy produced names that marked world soccer. Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentinian coach who led teams such as Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, was revealed in the youth classes of Espanyol. Marc Cucurella, a full-back who now plays for England's Chelsea, also began his professional career in the Catalan club's lower divisions.

Albert Saus Torras, responsible for RCD Espanyol's soccer programs, highlighted the meaning of the partnership. According to him, the collaboration aims to open doors for Irish and international young people who wish to elevate their careers. This includes not only players, but also those seeking to work in the soccer industry in other roles.

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How does the development program work

The structure created by the partnership provides for knowledge exchange in two directions. RCD Espanyol coaches travel to Dublin to conduct soccer camps and technical training programs. This allows DBS Academy players to have direct access to the working methodology of a top European club.

At the other end, athletes from the Irish Academy get an opportunity to train in Barcelona. Experiencing the Espanyol facility environment and working under the guidance of its technical staff represents a significant leap in the learning curve. The vocational soccer exchange in Dublin was already showing positive results, and now this bridge with Barcelona amplifies the possibilities.

For high school students, this connects with broader personal and professional development programs. Many young Brazilians seek experiences that combine sports with international education, and this partnership offers just that.

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Structure and strategic location

The DBS International Soccer Academy is located in Abbotstown, a Dublin region that concentrates high-end sports facilities. It was Ireland's first full-time soccer academy, setting standards that other institutions would follow.

The facilities include fields with professional specifications, a physical training center, and spaces dedicated to tactical development. But the program goes beyond the technical aspect. David Berber, director of the institution, emphasizes that the focus is on training not only athletes, but individuals prepared for different challenges.

The curriculum covers leadership, personal development, and formal education. Young people learn time management, teamwork, and resilience. These competencies are suitable both for those who will pursue a career as a professional player and for those who will migrate to other or completely different areas of the soccer industry.

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Opportunities for Brazilian players

Brazilians have had a strong presence in Irish soccer for some years. The traditional route involved direct contracts with local clubs or independently organized trials. With DBS Football Camp, this journey gains structure and institutional support.

The partnership with RCD Espanyol adds an extra layer of value. Brazilian players who pass through DBS Academy now have direct visibility with scouts and coaches from a La Liga club. This creates a clearer path for possible professional contracts or scholarships at European institutions.

The process begins with an assessment of the athlete's profile. Technical skills are analyzed along with academic background and career goals. Families receive guidance on documentation, visas, and practical aspects of moving to Ireland.

During the program, athletes maintain an intense training routine, competitive games, and tactical analysis sessions. English is practiced naturally on a daily basis., from technical instructions to social interactions. For those who want to pursue an international career in soccer, mastering the language ceases to be a differential and becomes a basic requirement.

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Summer season and intensive programs

The DBS Academy offers programs during different periods of the year. Summer camps are particularly popular among Brazilians taking advantage of school holidays. For two to eight weeks, young athletes live a professional routine with multiple training sessions a day.

These programs combine technical development with cultural immersion. In addition to soccer, participants get to know Dublin, visit historic sites and interact with students of other nationalities. The multicultural experience prepares athletes for future international careers, where adapting to different cultures is constant.

The partnership with the Future Learning School ensures that the educational aspect is not overlooked. Even during intensive soccer programs, there is room for academic development and formal English learning.

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Infrastructure that makes a difference

Few Brazilian clubs are able to offer infrastructure comparable to what young people find in Dublin. The fields meet international standards, with drainage systems that allow training even in the rain. Changing rooms, physical therapy room and muscle recovery areas complete the facilities.

The technical team includes professionals with experience in European clubs and national teams. Physical trainers work with up-to-date methods for periodization and injury prevention. Performance analysts use technology to evaluate every aspect of the athletes' game.

This level of support is rare in programs for young people in Brazil. Having access to it during a crucial phase of development can mean the difference between achieving maximum potential or technically stagnating.

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Training beyond the field

The DBS International Academy understands that not all players will achieve professionalism. Therefore, the program prepares athletes for multiple scenarios. Leadership and communication are worked on systematically. Young people learn to deal with pressure, manage expectations, and maintain emotional balance.

These skills translate into competitive advantages in any career. Former students of the academy followed different paths: some signed professional contracts, others became coaches, and some have migrated to sports management or completely different areas.

For Brazilian families, knowing that the investment in the program goes beyond soccer brings security. Even if the son does not become a professional player, the experience adds significant value to his training.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy facilitates the entire process for Brazilians interested in international sports programs. Our team is deeply familiar with the structure of the DBS International Academy and maintains direct contact with the institution. We help from initial assessment to shipment, ensuring that each stage is properly completed. Contact us to find out how we can help your child take advantage of this unique opportunity in European soccer.