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Xtra Time Web Desk: World-renowned football club FC Barcelona has announced the closure of all its academies in India, ending a 14-year journey that began with the aim of training Indian kids in the club's famed ‘La Masia’ style. The academies in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune will cease operations from July 1, 2024.

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In an official statement on its website, FC Barcelona confirmed the decision, stating, “FC Barcelona have informed the families involved in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune will cease to operate as Barca Academies from 1 July 2024.” However, the club did not provide any official reason for the closure.

FC Barcelona's presence in India started in 2010, and since then, thousands of young talents have been trained in the Barca style, emphasizing not just football skills but also the club’s core values. The academies have been instrumental in nurturing future football stars, inspired by legends like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, and Gerard Pique, all products of the Barca Academy.

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- Training Programs: Multiple training centers were established across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune.

- Events and Tournaments: India hosted two Barca Academy APAC tournaments in 2019 and 2020 and participated in 11 editions of the Barca Academy World Cup in Barcelona.

- Community Impact: The initiative involved programs, camps, leagues, tournaments, and exposure trips, making it the largest grassroots football training and development project in India.

In their farewell message, FC Barcelona expressed gratitude to the families, coaches, local staff, and Conscient Football, their India partner, for their unwavering trust and collaboration over the years. The club's statement highlighted the significant role everyone played in the success of Barca Academy India.