The Villarreal Femenino player is currently completing her internship in Labour Relations and Human Resources within the Yellow Submarine
Speaking about Marta Querol Gil (05/02/2004) means speaking about identity, belonging and true groguet pride. The Vila-real native is currently undertaking her internship for a degree in Labour Relations and Human Resources in the club’s HR department. “I chose this field because I really like the fact that there’s no monotony — every day is different and you work closely with people,” she explains. It is undoubtedly a rewarding experience that complements her role as both a footballer and a coach within the Cantera Grogueta.
Her interest in this area was born — and grew — thanks to Villarreal CF itself: “Members of the Human Resources department came to give us a talk and told us things I had never even considered. For example, I didn’t realise that when someone gets injured, it’s treated like a workplace accident. That sparked my curiosity about how those situations are managed and how the club handles them.”
In her day-to-day work at the offices, Marta has found a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere: “I’m learning in a very positive environment with approachable people.” She also highlights the flexibility the club provides: “We talk every week and, depending on my training schedule, we adapt my office hours.”
One aspect of the club particularly surprised her — the values remain the same beyond the pitch: “I didn’t imagine that in such a big organisation everyone would somehow know each other. I thought people would just focus on their own tasks, but that’s not the case. In the offices, everyone knows one another and understands what the others do. There’s a very good atmosphere. The club values we’re taught in football are exactly the same here.”
A lifetime as a grogueta
Having come through the Cantera Grogueta since U10 level, Marta Querol has shaped her character and personality — both on and off the pitch — under Villarreal CF’s methodology.
Since joining the club at just 10 years old, the Vila-real midfielder has progressed through every youth category before reaching the first team. She now combines her playing career with coaching the youngest academy players.
The Villarreal Femenino number 10 is fully aware of her roots and how important the academy has been in her development: “Who I am today, both personally and professionally, is because of what I’ve experienced here. Villarreal is a humble club, where everyone is very close and approachable, and that helps you value where you are.”
Her commitment to Villarreal CF continues to grow, and in recent years she has also discovered her potential as a coach within the academy — something she experiences with special emotion: “I identify a lot with them, and I’m motivated by the thought that, in a few years, many of them could reach the first team or even become my teammate. It moves me so much to see them grow and to see myself reflected in them. I think one of my strengths is that I understand what they think and feel.”
A future linked to Villarreal CF
When she thinks about the future, Querol is clear about the path she wants to follow and what truly inspires her: “Being a player is what I love most. I’d love to stay close to the pitch.” After that, the dugout: “I love being on the bench as a coach, guiding the girls. I’d love to keep teaching them.” And further down the line — whether on or off the pitch — she wants to remain at the club. The Vila-real native does not see another option: “If I’m not a player or a coach, I’d also love to work here in the offices. Wherever it may be, but always at Villarreal CF, because I’m from Vila-real and I’m truly Villarreal through and through.”
