IN AN exciting milestone, a Filipino athlete will make history by becoming the first representative from the Philippines at Spain’s prestigious LaLiga Academy.

Rafael “Rafa” Garcia, a talented 16-year-old footballer, shared the news through a captivating four-minute video posted on Facebook last Saturday. Garcia has been granted the opportunity to join the LaLiga Academy for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Known for his skills as a center back and right back, Garcia initially honed his abilities playing for Makati FC at the grassroots level. He then went on to train at the GOM Football Center for Excellence under the guidance of coach Darren Hartmann during his teenage years, and subsequently joined the esteemed Southampton Academy. Currently, Garcia is a key player for Stallion Laguna FC.

Expressing his enthusiasm in the video, Garcia stated, “I believe that the LaLiga Academy will greatly contribute to my skill development and overall growth as a player. On the field, I strive to excel in distributing the ball with precision, delivering penetrating passes, and, of course, fulfilling my duties as a defender.”

The promising young defender came across the opportunity to participate in the LaLiga Academy tryouts while actively seeking football academies and teams to join in Europe. Garcia firmly believes that relocating to the academy is the best choice to propel his career forward. He eagerly anticipates the chance to immerse himself in new experiences, encounter diverse individuals, and embrace different cultures, all of which fill him with excitement.

For the duration of the season, Garcia will be training at the ESC LaLiga & NBA Center, where he will have the opportunity to refine his skills and showcase his talent.