Valencia CF hosts youth camp in Steinbach

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This article was published 29/07/2024 (233 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Valencia CF is one of the most accomplished soccer teams in Spain. The club boasts six league championships, eight cup championships and even made the Champions League final twice in a row.

And this week, the club has come to Steinbach, hosting a youth development camp to try and scout the next generation of players around the world. Around 50 kids were in attendance on day two of the camp July 23.

The camp in Steinbach is part of a new commitment to Canada, with Valencia setting up an academy in Montreal and hosting camps across the country this summer.

Cristian Castells is a coach for Valencia. He’s based out of Spain, helping run the club’s under-11 team at their academy.

“The camp here in Steinbach is very special,” Castells said.

“I am very happy because the passion of the staff in this town, and the passion and the attitude of the kids is incredible.”

Canada is enjoying a soccer surge at the top levels. While the country has long boasted massive youth participation numbers, more and more players are becoming professionals, attracting clubs like Valencia to start scouting the region.

With the 2026 World Cup taking place in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, the opportunity for soccer in Canada grow further is there.

“Change the culture, the mentality,” Castells said on what Canada needs to do to become a soccer powerhouse.

“This country is normally a country for other sports, for example hockey. I think for the next years, when (Canada) arrives at the world cup, it’s possible to change the mentality and grow football in Canada.”

Castells played as a central defender in lower-level leagues across Europe until 2022, when he joined Valencia as a coach. He played with the team as a youth player, even appearing 37 times for the club’s second team.

Over the past two years, he’s not only coached in Spain at the academy, but also travelled the world to coach at camps like the one in Steinbach. This summer is Castells’ first time in Canada.

“It’s brilliant, it’s good feedback for the future,” he said.

“I think the next door will possibly open… I like this town… I think in the future it’s possible to make more things and a good project (in Steinbach).”

Castells also had high praise for the Steinbach Soccer park. While the park is one of the best soccer venues in Manitoba, Castells said it was an outstanding outdoor facility that is comparable to the best facilities around the world.

“It’s top level,” he said.

“Normally when you go to other countries or cities, it’s synthetic grass. For me, it’s a pleasure to be here.”

Castells added the community could use an indoor facility so players could train throughout the winter months.