Elite Gap Year Program
at Algeciras C.F.

NOW SCOUTING FOR TOP 2005+ PLAYERS

Inaugural Season Kicks Off 2024

A team of highly talented players between 18 and 23 years old will start training in Algeciras, Spain this fall and compete in the an official Spanish league in the Royal Andalusian Football Federation for nine months with the possibility of competing in the league’s playoffs for promotion.

For Talented Collegiate or College Bound Players
The season starts on August 28, 2024 and will end on May 2025.

Interested players should inquire if they can qualify by completing the PLAYER INQUIRY form. Player highlight videos are required.

Click Here to Apply Now for Virtual Tryouts

Real World Goals

Algeciras CF is a professional Spanish football team based in Algeciras, Spain. Founded in 1909, Algeciras CF competes in the 1st RFEF (3rd Division) and their stadium is Estadio Nuevo Mirador. Our integrated Gap Year team will be the Spanish club’s third team and compete in Spain’s football league.

Algeciras CF’s goal is to be promoted to La Liga.

Algeciras CF’s pro football players have played in Italy, Belgium, Argentina, Morocco, Greece, among other countries and many have trained at Spain’s top academies including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Sevilla.

Free to Apply! Send Your Highlight Video Today

"We are extremely excited to offer a Gap Year program at Algeciras CF and train American players to compete in an official Spanish league on the doorstep of a professional career."

Ramón Robert - CEO of Algeciras CF

Former Executive President and CEO of RCD Espanyol

Where is Algeciras?

Algeciras is on Spain’s southern coast in between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal clear water.

Algeciras is in the province of Cadiz in Andalusia, Spain and enjoys a Mediterranean climate for most of the year. The city itself is rich in history and offers a welcoming vibe to visitors. It is a gateway to Costa del Sol and a short drive to Málaga (the birthplace of Pablo Picasso) and to Marbella, one of the most popular holiday destination in Spain filled with pristine beaches, world-class restaurants, expensive yachts and lively nightclubs. Nearby Tarifa is world renown for windsurfing and the entire area is driven by its love of Spanish football.

The unique Rock of Gibraltar is merely 15 minutes away from Algeciras and Morocco is only a 40 minute ferry ride away.

A La Liga Mindset, Philosophy, and History

The person responsible for the rise of this Spanish club is Ramón Robert, Algeciras CF’s CEO. Ramón was the former Executive President and CEO of RCD Espanyol for eight years. During his tenure in RCD Espanyol, Ramón Robert oversaw the signings of players like David Lopez (Napoli, Girona FC, RCD Espanyol), Marc Roca (Bayern Munich, Real Betis, Leeds, RCD Espanyol), Gerard Moreno (Villareal, Spanish National Team, RCD Espanyol), and Mario Hermoso (Atlético Madrid, RCD Espanyol).

Ramón Robert brings a level of experience, club operations, and connections that is unparalleled in the 3rd division of Spanish soccer, and he will surely guide Algeciras CF to new heights!

What does our pathway look like?

The Integrated Gap Year program starts August 28th for pre-season and the league matches are expected to start in mid-September with approximately a three-week holiday winter break and end in May.

Algeciras CF’s pathway to the first team includes its second team — known as the B team which competes in Spain’s football league, part of the Royal Andalusian Football Federation and is a vital next step for players training to become professionals.

International Soccer Academy’s Integrated Gap Year team is Algeciras CF’s third team (C team) and now joins the B team as the training grounds for the club’s pro team.

In 2024, five B team players and one U19 player were invited to train/play for the club’s pro team, highlighting the effectiveness of Algeciras CF’s developmental program.

Algeciras CF provides a complete pathway that includes this exclusive integrated Gap Year team as well as a comprehensive youth soccer academy with professional training, and expert coaching from an early age. Players in the youth academy compete in the top tiers of Spanish football against prominent clubs such as Málaga CF, Cadiz FC, Sevilla FC, and Real Betis Balompié.

Algeciras CF’s Development Academy:

B Team – Primera Andaluza Division
C Team Gap Year Team – Tercera Andaluza Cadiz
U-19 A Team – Division of Honor (Top National Category)
U-19 B Team – Campo Gibraltar League
U-16 Team – Primera Andaluza Cadete
U-15 Team – 2nd Andalusian Cadete
U-14 Team – Primera Andaluza Team

Apply Today - Click Here

Our Methodology

Algeciras CF tracks and observes the development of talented players and invites only the best to train at their programs. International Soccer Academy and Algeciras CF have collaborated on the methodology for the groundbreaking Gap Year Program.

"We are very excited to partner with International Soccer Academy to offer a very unique Gap Year program at Algeciras CF. This is an amazing opportunity for America’s college age players and they will be immersed in Spain’s powerful futbol methodologies."

Mac Lackey - Owner of Algeciras CF

Algeciras Club de Fútbol –
Grit, Loyalty, and Character

Love of football runs deep in Algeciras, Spain. Since 1909, the club has battled year-in and year-out to stay true to what defines its team and the citizens of the city…character, grit, and loyalty.

Being a part largest port city in all of Spain, Algeciras CF — also known as ACF — takes pride in the GRIT that is behind the daily grind to become the best version of yourself on the pitch.

The LOYALTY of the fan base, team players, and directive staff helps provide the motivation to continue that daily fight.

According to Algeciras CF’s CEO Ramon Robert, “We will never achieve our goal of reaching the highest level of Spanish soccer without great CHARACTER. ACF takes pride in representing our city and the surrounding communities, and we look forward to continuing our upward ascension!”

Proud To Wear

Our Players Are Sporting Algeciras CF Gear on The Field

Our Pledge to Elite Gap Year Soccer Players

Players Deserve To Be Trained by Top Coaches with UEFA PRO or A Licenses.

No Soccer Compromises

Redefining the player pathway, this joint initiative provides a completely integrated development program with Algeciras CF and a pathway to their second team with scouts and coaches watching for additional advancement to the first team possible.

This unique Integrated Gap Year program was created to meet the higher needs of America’s most elite collegiate players wanting to explore training in Europe.

Players will train at the Algeciras CF campus where the club’s first team and second team train.

Academic Options

Players can take advantage of our educational partner, Arizona State University (ASU) — perfect for serious college-athletes. Whether a player choses to take one course or a full load of classes, it is easy to explore ASU’s Bachelor Programs offered online … or even work on 160+ Master’s Degree Options. (Additional costs apply).

Why not discover if you wish to earn college credit and/or satisfy general studies requirements or degree prerequisites while you develop your soccer skills in the south of Spain and compete in the Spanish football league?

Our Commitment to Players

Excellent training. Intense Skill Development. Amazing Coaches. Scouting Opportunities.

Official Algeciras CF Training Gear and Uniform.

Highly competitive games in the Spanish 111-year-old Royal Andalusian Football Federation’s (RAFF) league for a full season with the chance of participation in the playoffs and possible promotion of the team.

The RAFF is It is integrated into the Royal Spanish Football Federation (REFF).

APPLY NOW

"With the team participating in an official Spanish Regional League, players will be able to test themselves on a weekly basis against European players who have the same goals of becoming pros."

Ross Schraeder, Director of International Programming

Dedicated to the Player's Success

Exclusive Residential Program Provides Complete, Authentic Player Centric Development & Exposure

Coaching Staff:
UEFA A full-time coach, full-time associate coach; plus Goalkeeper training, athletic coach and physiotherapist (part-time)
Hotel Accommodations:
Comfortable hotel accommodations with double-occupancy and private bathrooms (24 hour front desk reception and all Inclusive with full board).
Location:
Guadacorte Park Hotel is located in the Cadiz Province in Algeciras. The Address is Guadacorte Autovía A-7-E15 Urbanization 11370 and packages can be sent to this address.
Nutrition:
Three (3) meals per day, anti-inflammatory sports specific diet, water provided during training and during the day.
Soccer Curriculum:
The training methodology and Gap Year player development at Algeciras CF is dedicated to providing a pathway for each and every player.
Scouting:
Direct access to Algeciras CF scouting as well as other scouts, If selected tryouts.

Matches:
Highly competitive Spanish football league games - in the Royal Andalusian Football Federation league.
Uniforms:
Players will wear official Algeciras CF B team kits.
Video Analysis:
Matches will be filmed with the Veo camera system and analyzed, and players will receive individual highlight reels.
Live Streaming of Matches:
WIFI permitting, our matches will be live streamed which will allow family, friends and recruiters to be part of the player’s match experience.
Pedagogical Support:
One (1) Team Director to support players on their pathway.
Transportation:
For training at Algeciras CF, as well as match days and cultural events, a bus or multiple vans will be provided.

Cultural Immersion:
Each player will participate in a soccer oriented Spanish language course and additionally the team will participate in at least 10 cultural social and or team bonding activities to learn about Algeciras CF's history and the area's culture.
Guest Speakers:
International Soccer Academy and Algeciras CF are committed to providing guest speakers on a variety of topics including mental strength training to improve performance under pressure and college coaches with advice on how to get scouted.
3rd Division & La Liga Experience:
International Soccer Academy players will have access to Algeciras CF’s home matches as well as attend several La Liga matches.
Social Media:
Videos and pictures will tell the daily/weekly story of our youth soccer players in Spain.

Application Timeline

Virtual Tryouts - Apply Online

Submit highlight video and/or coaching recommendations. All applications will undergo an evaluation process. Algeciras CF scouts will review player highlight reels.

Possible In-person Tryouts

Primary pathway to get approved: Algeciras CF scouts will review and approve player's highlights submitted online. Scouts attend major MLS Academy, MLS Next and ECNL events identifying players as well and players can contact us for in person tryouts.

Personal Zoom Interview

With Eddie Loewen and/or International Soccer Academy coaching staff

Complete Player Application and Submit Deposit

If a player is accepted, he will complete and sign the Player Agreement. A non-refundable deposit is required.

On-Boarding Process

Zoom sessions

Arrival on Site in Algeciras, Spain

Parents are welcome to come and bring their players to Algeciras and attend the welcome ceremony.

For additional questions, please email us at [email protected]

Request for More Info & Apply for Virtual Tryout

ANNOUNCING ALGECIRAS C.F.
PARTNERSHIP