FC Porto open football academy in Cape Verde | OneFootball

FC Porto is set to launch its Dragon Force brand in Cape Verde. After projects in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Turkey, Mexico (Monterrey), and Cyprus, the Dragons are now heading to Cidade da Praia, on the island of Santiago, where, in partnership with EFAT (Achada Grande Trás Football School Association), a Dragon Force by FC Porto school will be established.

The initiative aims to discover, train, and develop young Cape Verdean talents, while also qualifying local coaches according to the training methodology of the blue and whites. Founded in 2012, EFAT stands out for its community mission, supporting the sporting and personal development of children and young people and using football as a tool to fight social exclusion.

“Cape Verde was a long-held wish that was never forgotten,” admitted Ricardo Frey Ramos, executive manager of Dragon Force, emphasizing that EFAT, closely followed since 2016, is “the right partner” for this step. In the initial phase, the focus will be on the sports and pedagogical training of local staff, with the goal of “maximizing the talent and passion that each child lives with the ball at their feet over the years.”

Rolando, former center-back for the Dragons and currently involved with the club’s youth football, also highlighted the impact of the project: “Cape Verde has enormous natural talent and a very strong passion for football. This project allows for the creation of a solid training base, with methodology, values, and quality support from an early age. It is a unique opportunity for young people and local coaches to grow in a sustainable way, connected to a club with the size and demands of FC Porto.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.