First Pinoy welcomed at LaLiga Academy

FOR the first time, a Filipino will be represented at Spain’s LaLiga Academy.

In a four-minute video posted on Facebook on Saturday, 16-yearold Filipino footballer Rafael “Rafa” Garcia will be joining the academy for the upcoming 20232024 season.

Garcia, a defender who plays center back and right back, played with Makati FC in the grassroots level, GOM Football Center for Excellence under coach Darren Hartmann during his teenage years and the Southampton Academy. He currently plays for Stallion Laguna FC.

“I feel that the LaLiga Academy will help me improve my skills, and grow as a player,” he said in the video. “I think the best attitude I can give on a football field, probably would be my distribution of football, giving those penetrating passes and obviously defending because that is what a defender is supposed to do.

The teenage defender said he heard about the LaLiga Academy tryouts because he was looking for academies and football teams to join in Europe.

“I feel like moving here would be the best option to enhance and help my career the most,” Garcia said. “Seeing new people and meeting new cultures give me excitement.”

Garcia will practice at the ESC LaLiga & NBA Center for the season.