The academy players, their families, and youth football staff take part in a unique, fun and educational experience ahead of the start of the 25/26 season
Villarreal CF has organised a set of original Welcome Days, aimed at the players of the Yellows Academy, their families and the club’s youth football staff. This fun and educational initiative is designed to strengthen the bonds between the academy players and the Yellow Submarine.
With a brand-new gymkhana, the club has turned the traditional presentation day into an entertaining activity spread across the various areas of the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground. Parents and children not only get to discover Villarreal CF’s facilities first-hand, but also meet the professionals who make up the club’s youth football structure. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take part in a dynamic that promotes connection, togetherness and a strong sense of belonging.
Before the event begins, teams are formed, made up of two players—one local and one from the residence—and their companions. This setup also allows participants to get to know one another better and helps build bonds between players’ families, offering mutual support throughout the season.
The club’s main U14 and U16 teams are taking part in this unique gymkhana throughout the week.
No Time to Waste!
Each day, the Welcome Days begin at 11:00am, starting with one of the participating teams and their families. Upon arrival, families are welcomed and groups are formed, with the gymkhana officially kicking off at 11:30am. The experience consists of six stations, each focused on key areas of a player’s all-round development: club methodology and management, healthy eating, education, residence or local zone activities, high-performance psychology, and habits of organisation and responsibility in the dressing room. Each station features a brief explanation by professionals from the corresponding department, followed by a fun or competitive activity.
The originality of this initiative lies in its educational and participatory approach. Activities range from cooking a fried egg or selecting healthy food, to concentration challenges, table football tournaments and a race against the clock to tidy up the dressing room. Every detail is designed so both parents and players enjoy a fun and meaningful experience.
These Welcome Days mark the beginning of a season full of challenges, where beyond football, the aim is to instil the values that define Villarreal CF.
