#180: Professor Jordi Diaz Gibson on La Masia, the developmental heart of FC Barcelona

La Masia is one of the leading youth academies in the world. It prepares elite athletes, while emphasizing holistic growth and development. As the primary educational system for the FC Barcelona club, the Academy has evolved over the years. The program is rooted in sound educational and developmental research. Professor Jordi Diaz Gibson guided us through some of the key aspects of La Masia. We discussed:

1.     La Masia (“farmhouse”). Its history and how it’s changed over the years. 

2.     Cruyff put La Masia and “learning” at the center of FC Barcelona. “This is the way we understand the game (total futbol) and this is the way we will train.”

3.     Holistic development at La Masia: “Masia 360.” The learning process is central. “It is the heart of the club.”

4.     Carles Folguera. Striving to develop elite players and elite human beings. “We need to make a project for the ones who don’t make it.”

5.     The experiences of Andres Iniesta at La Masia.

6.     Alignment around a “common language.” 

7.     The importance of physical spaces that foster interaction.

8.     La Masia’s production of top Barca players (65% of its players). Developmentally effective and economically efficient. “We are proud of investing in innovation and development.”

9.     The Barcelona Innovation Hub.