Real Sociedad sets up a cantera alliance in Austin

Real Sociedad has officially struck a collaboration agreement with Texas Football Academy, a newly created training entity in Austin (United States). As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the deal represents the first time the Basque club links its academy structure directly in American territory.

Zubieta methodology, on the ground

The heart of the alliance is methodological guidance and the transfer of Zubieta’s training model. To make sure it works locally, the club will send one Real Sociedad coach to Austin for the entire season, tasked with overseeing how the methodology is applied and helping boost the technical development of local youth players.

One season, long-term intent

The partnership begins with an initial one-season timeframe, although Real Sociedad’s goal—according to Mundo Deportivo—is to build it into a long-lasting relationship. Before the signature, the founder and president of Texas Football Academy, Alisher Nazir, visited Zubieta to learn the club’s day-to-day operations and take in its way of working.

Mundo Deportivo also places the move in context: until now, Real Sociedad’s international collaborations were mainly based on geographic closeness and cultural ties in the south-west of France (with clubs such as Les Églantins, Croisés Bayonne and Genets d’Anglet), along with its presence in Japan. With this step into North America, the club aims to strengthen its brand in a key market for youth football and export the identity of Zubieta globally.