Villarreal’s international project kicks off 2026 with an official collaboration with TOCA Pro FC
Villarreal CF, through its international project Villarreal Academy, has reached a collaboration agreement with TOCA Pro FC, which not only strengthens its presence in Canada, where it already had five international academies, but also sees it land in Toronto, one of the country’s leading cities.
Following this important agreement with the Yellows, the established TOCA Pro FC becomes an affiliated club of Villarreal and offers major opportunities to players and coaches in Toronto and across the Province of Ontario, being directly linked to a top European club like the Yellow Submarine.
The bond between Villarreal CF and TOCA Pro FC runs even deeper, as the academy director, David Velastegui, played alongside current first‑team player Tajon Buchanan both for Canada’s youth national team and in League1 Ontario. For all these reasons, he is excited to start this relationship with the Submarine, as well as to be reunited with his former team‑mate: “This collaboration brings Canadian players closer to one of the best football academies in the world. Villarreal’s methodology, combined with TOCA’s training culture, creates a pathway to the elite that did not exist in Canada until now. The main advantage of this agreement is opening doors for our kids, whether that’s to training camps in Spain, international tournaments or direct assessments by Villarreal CF’s coaching structure. It’s also personal for me. Tajon Buchanan was my team‑mate and is now a Villarreal player. Seeing a Canadian player make the jump to a Champions League club shows our club’s players that the leap is possible, just as with Tani Oluwaseyi. This proves that the next generation of the country’s talents can thrive on the world stage.”
With this mindset, the TOCA Pro FC director states that the agreement between both entities will provide great opportunities for young footballers in Canada: “Canadian football has never had more momentum. With Canadians succeeding in Spain, the timing couldn’t be better. Through this affiliation, we will offer elite training locally and send players to Spain. Our mission is simple: to help develop players who not only dream of playing in LALIGA, but also truly believe that the best player on the planet could be Canadian. To support this vision, we will award scholarships to players, giving them opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. We will also welcome Villarreal coaches to Canada to work hand in hand with our staff. This collaboration will help strengthen our work alongside the successful methodology of the Yellow Submarine.”
For more information, visit: www.tocaprofc.com
