FC Barcelona Opens Barça Academy in Kyrgyzstan

President Joan Laporta, together with the president of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, and the president of Jalgroup Asia, Aibek Alybaev, opened on Tuesday a Barça Academy in the city of Jalal-Abad. The event was also attended by the Barça Legends players who will be meeting a Legends of Asia XI in Kyrgyzstan.

One of the main events of the visit was the opening of a Barça Academy in Jalal-Abad, the first of its kind not just in Kyrgyzstan but all of Central Asia. After the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon and speeches from president Laporta, the president of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, and the president of Jalgroup Asia, Aibek Alybaev, the Club's partner in the project, the three men took a trip around the facility where local children will be able to learn to play football the Barça way.

Historic Partnership

During the visit an impromptu game took place between 'Team Rivaldo' and 'Team Puyol' with players from the Academy which will officially begin its activities next week and as the other 27 Barça Academies around the world, the idea is to teach young people the footballing philosophy and methodology that the youth teams at FC Barcelona follow and that is known all over the world.

Event Gallery

Barça Legends team at the opening ceremony

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta addressing the audience

Barça Legend Carles Puyol participating in the celebrations

Official ribbon cutting ceremony with traditional Kyrgyz welcome

Team photo in front of the Kyrgyzstan national emblem