FC Barcelona has a real football academy in Lagos, Nigeria, called FCBEscola Lagos. This isn’t just any football school—it’s part of Barcelona’s worldwide academy network, and it was the first FC Barcelona soccer school in Sub-Saharan Africa. When it officially opened, representatives from Barcelona were there, so it really follows the club’s training style from Spain. The academy started running in late 2016 or early 2017.
Boys and girls from about 5 to 18 years old can train there, using the same youth development ideas and techniques as La Masia in Spain. At FCBEscola Lagos, kids learn Barcelona’s special way of playing football, which focuses on keeping the ball and using skill. They also teach important values like teamwork, effort, humility, and respect.
The programme doesn’t just focus on football—it also includes personal growth, like learning new languages and other educational activities. In the first few years, about 400 students joined from Nigeria and other countries. Locally, the academy is seen as a way to give kids proper football training and even a chance to play football internationally if they are talented.
The academy is run together by FC Barcelona and local organisers, including the FC Barcelona Lagos Supporters’ Club. The local team helps manage everything and has even expanded training to other parts of Lagos, like Lekki and Gbagada, in addition to the main Surulere stadium. Nigerians see FCBEscola Lagos as an official Barcelona project that helps develop football talent. But like many Barcelona satellite academies around the world, there isn’t yet much information about whether the students go on to play professionally in top leagues.
Barcelona Football Academy Fees
If you want to join the Barcelona Football Academy in Nigeria, you first pay a one-time registration fee of about ₦13,500 to ₦22,000. This lets your child attend trials and start the enrolment process.
After registration, families pay an annual training fee. The standard training fee is about ₦100,000 per year, which covers coaching, weekly or bi-weekly training sessions, and the use of training facilities.
If your child joins bigger programmes or gets extra services like tournaments, kits, or special facilities, the yearly cost can go up to between ₦250,000 and ₦500,000. The exact price depends on the programme, your child’s age, how often they train, and if they use extra services like boarding.
Sometimes the academy gives scholarships that reduce fees by 20 % to 70 % for talented players who need help. Youth players do not get paid salaries. Fees are paid to the academy for training, and while staff, like coaches, are paid, their salaries aren’t public.
It’s important to check the academy each year because fees can change with inflation, exchange rates, or updates to the programmes.
FC Barcelona Football Academy Location
FCBESCOLA is in Lagos at Teslim Balogun Stadium on Alhaji Masha Road in Surulere. This is where all the training and administrative work for the academy happens.
If you want to join, register, or train, it all happens at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Complex.
If you need to get there, the stadium is well-known in Surulere, Lagos.
For contact, you can call +234 906 225 9436 or +234 903 000 0931, or email info@fcbescolalagos.com. The academy uses these numbers and the email for registration and information.
How Boarding Works at Barcelona Football Academy
The Barcelona Football Academy in Lagos lets kids live at the academy while they train. Kids who go for the boarding option sleep in dorm rooms, eat healthy meals, and have adults watching over them all the time. They also get help with their schoolwork.
Some kids just come for daily training, but boarders get a place to stay, food, supervision, and support while learning football. Boarding is integrated into the academy’s facilities rather than a separate residential campus. The academy mainly focuses on football while providing accommodation and support for those who need it. It is not a traditional boarding school with a full academic curriculum.
Day programmes are also available for those who don’t live at the academy, but many choose to board so they can train more, study better, and be around other football players.
The academy doesn’t officially publish fees, but it usually costs about ₦100,000 per year for either boarding or day programmes. This covers training, use of facilities, meals, and supervision. Scholarships are available for talented kids who can’t afford it. To know the exact cost, it’s better to contact the academy directly.
How to Apply/Registration Process
Here’s how to join, apply, register or obtain the Barcelona Football Academy (FCBEscola) registration in Nigeria, especially in Lagos.
Check Eligibility
- Be 5–18 years old
- Have a valid Nigerian ID (birth certificate or passport)
- Be in good health
- Both boys and girls can apply
Prepare Documents
- Nigerian ID or birth certificate
- Recent passport photo
- Medical certificate if required
- Proof of age and health clearance
Wait for Registration Announcement
- Registration forms are sold only when trials are announced
- Historically, forms go on sale between September and December
Buy the Registration Form
- Cost: ≈₦13,500 (may change)
- Payment methods:
- Cash or ATM card at Teslim Balogun Stadium
- GTBank branch or mobile app using “FCBEscola Lagos”
Collect and Complete the Form
- Take proof of payment to Teslim Balogun Stadium to collect the form
- Fill out the form carefully and accurately
- Attach all required documents
Attend the Trial Session
- Buying the form does not guarantee admission
- Coaches evaluate:
- Skills and technique
- Fitness and endurance
- Attitude and game intelligence
- Only the best performers are selected
Training if Selected
- Training follows Barcelona’s style
- Focus on possession, technique, tactics
- Programs may include:
- Competitive sessions for your age group
- Technification programs for skill development
- Support for formal education exams like WASSCE, NECO, or TOEFL
Prepare in Advance
- Practice football skills regularly
- Improve fitness and stamina
- Ensure all documents are valid and ready