Real Betis expand in Africa with new academy in Gambia

Real Betis Balompié continues to consolidate its international expansion project with the launch of Real Betis Academy Gambia, a new training center on the African continent that brings the club’s methodology to young Gambian players.

This is the club’s fourth academy in Africa, following those already operating in Algeria, Eswatini, and Senegal.

The academy is located in the country’s capital, Banjul, and operates out of the Father Gough Sports Complex in Manjai Park.

This new project is designed as a year-round program aimed at contributing to the athletic and personal growth of young footballers through the Real Betis Academy training model.

In its initial phase, the academy is aimed at players between the ages of 10 and 18 and has a maximum capacity of 120 participants, divided into two training groups. Sessions are held on weekends—Saturdays and Sundays—from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with training tailored to the objectives established within the club’s methodology.

Training Based on Real Betis´ Methodology

Real Betis Academy Gambia directly applies the training principles of Real Betis Balompié, with a special focus on technical development, tactical understanding of the game, and intelligent use of space. The academy aims to provide a demanding and structured learning environment, geared toward both individual improvement and the collective growth of the players.

Monitoring the players is a fundamental part of the project. Coaches prepare reports after each training session, and players receive a monthly evaluation of their progress. In addition, audiovisual footage from the training sessions is sent to Real Betis Balompié, with the goal of maintaining a constant connection with the Club and ensuring the proper implementation of its training standards.

Discipline, commitment, and attitude are essential pillars of the academy, which aims to become a leading institution for young people who see football as an opportunity for personal development and self-improvement.

A Partnership to Foster Local Talent

The launch of the Real Betis Academy Gambia is taking place in collaboration with Unique Heritage Talent Management Group, the project’s local partner specializing in sports career management.

This collaboration will strengthen the operational structure in the country and facilitate the implementation of a stable, sustainable program aligned with the values of Real Betis Balompié.

The project also builds on a strong sporting foundation, as 11 players are currently on scholarship after being selected by Real Betis coaches as the top performers at the camp held last January.

This reflects the potential that exists in the country and the academy’s commitment to offering opportunities to young football players who demonstrate talent, discipline, and a positive attitude.

In The Gambia, football represents a path of hope, hard work, and personal growth for many children and young people. For this reason, the academy aims to support players who, despite the difficulties, remain determined to improve and achieve their goals.

Beyond the Permanent Academies: Other Real Betis Academy Programs

n addition to its permanent academies, the Club runs various training programs:

Real Betis Camps: short-term camps lasting between 3 and 5 days, where club coaches travel to the camp location to evaluate young players and train them according to Real Betis’ methodology, helping them improve their athletic performance.

Real Betis Inside: a program that allows football players to travel to Seville to train at the club’s facilities, play friendly matches, and tour the stadium on a personalized tour.

 Real Betis Coaches Development: technical, theoretical, and practical training for international coaches based on the club’s methodology, taught by top-level professionals from Real Betis.

 Real Betis Team Alliance: partnerships with international clubs to implement the club’s methodology, promoting the football development of all its players.

Source:  Comunicacion Betis Academy