‘THIS IS A BIG DEAL FOR US’: SPAIN’S LA LIGA TO SET UP YOUTH ACADEMY IN TORONTO AREA

Looking to further its brand overseas, La Liga has chosen Toronto as site of the Spanish league’s first soccer academy in North America.

The academy, which will be open to boys and girls from four to 18, promises the “highest standard of Spanish soccer training.”

“This is the first official one that we’ve announced for the whole North American territory, so is a big deal for us,” said La Liga North America CEO Boris Gartner.

The first locations for La Liga Academy Canada are Toronto, Mississauga and Milton. Gartner hopes to add camps in Vancouver, Montreal and other cities in future years.

He said La Liga has a five-year plan in North America, coinciding with the 2026 World Cup that is being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S.