"Being with the first team is a dream you've had since you were a kid and we have to make the most of this opportunity" | OneFootball

Valencia CF began the first pre-season training camp of the 2026/27 season on Monday. During this camp at the Royalverd Training Center in Girona, the first team has been joined by several Academy VCF players. Get to know Rodrigo Gamón, Aaron Mayol, Amos Wanjala and Alain Gómez.

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Taking part in pre-season with Valencia CF is an important step in the journey of a young Academy VCF player and the result of many years of hard work. "It's a dream that everyone has had since they were a kid. You have to work every day and make the most of this opportunity 100%," says Rodri Gamón.

Like José Luis Gayà, Jesús Vázquez, Cristian Rivero, Javi Guerra, César Tárrega and Diego López before them, the Academy players have received advice from the first-team squad. "They've welcomed us really well. They've told us to do what we always do, trust ourselves and not be afraid," Gamón explains.

Adapting to the first team: "It's not easy to come into the first team because there's always a bit of pressure, but they've helped me from the very first minute to feel like one of the group," says Aaron Mayol.

After years of hard work and making the most of their opportunities, these young players have set themselves the goal of making their debut for Valencia CF. "Every kid dreams of making their first-team debut and feeling like a footballer, and what better place to do it than at a club as big as Valencia CF," explains Mayol.

Living together day by day: "I'm very happy to be here and enjoying the experience. Very few people get to live this. Marcos Abad (goalkeeping coach) pushes us a lot. Pre-season is tough, but having Dimitrievski, Rivero and Vient Abril around makes it easier. They support me in everything. I've never felt held back, they've always made me feel very welcome," says Alain Gómez.

"The first few days have been good. We're building a good connection with the players and the coaching staff, and we hope to keep doing that over the remaining days," adds Amos Wanjala.