Youth football academies face expansion and resource challenges

Youth football initiatives are seeing both expansion and operational challenges in South America. In Catamarca, Argentina, the Crecer football school has announced its transition into federated competition. The school will begin competing in the Liga Chacarera youth divisions, specifically targeting the Sub 13, Sub 15, and Sub 17 categories, as well as infantiles. The institution aims to eventually establish a First Division team and has launched an open call for players to join the new competitive rosters.

In Monagas, Venezuela, the Jorge Febres Football Academy is facing significant resource shortages despite its competitive success. While the academy has won titles and received invitations to tournaments outside the state, director Félix Guzmán reports a critical lack of basic equipment, including training materials, balls, and permanent goalposts. The academy currently relies on borrowed equipment and self-management by parents to maintain their training grounds. The organization is seeking support from public and private institutions to sustain its operations and continue providing sports training and discipline to local children.