Barça Academy Carolinas is celebrating ten years since its inauguration, establishing itself as the oldest active Barça Academy in the United States. A decade marked by the development of players who, alongside their families, have experienced football as a means for both sporting and personal growth.

At the Barça Academy World Cup 2026, the American team has brought a very special group of players who have been part of the project since the 2019/20 season. Their journeys reflect how every path begins with hope and, over time, evolves into commitment, learning and a strong sense of identity.

Arhant Harsha, pure passion

Arhant Harsha joined Barça Academy Carolinas seven years ago full of enthusiasm and excitement. His family recalls how, from day one, football was already a central part of his life. Over the years, that passion has turned into determination, allowing him to grow in confidence, decision-making and maturity through consistent work with his coaches. Today, he continues to develop in competitions such as the NPL, taking on new challenges that strengthen his progression and consolidate his path in football.

Julian Cleveland, steady growth

Julian Cleveland’s family highlights how their son has developed steadily over the past seven years. Year after year, he has gained confidence, discipline and a deeper understanding of the game, largely thanks to his coaches. They also emphasise how the academy environment has supported him throughout, helping him grow not only as a player but also as a person within a community that fosters his development.

Jonatan Lopez-Ruiz, the start of a journey

Jonatan Lopez-Ruiz discovered the project through a summer camp in 2021, when he was just eight years old. That experience marked the beginning of his journey within the academy. Now 13, he continues to grow both as a player and as a person. His family highlights the strong sense of community they have built over the years, while Jonatan himself values the training methodology and style of play, which have helped him better understand the game and compete with greater awareness.

Rufus Joel, a way of life

Rufus Joel arrived with a great passion for football, despite coming from a family environment not closely connected to the sport. His family was looking for a place where he could learn and develop, and they found in the club’s methodology the ideal setting. Today, football is a central part of his daily life: he enjoys every training session, shares experiences with his teammates, and grows in an environment that goes beyond the pitch, based on values such as respect, perseverance and teamwork.

Luca Garret, an example of resilience

From a very young age, Luca Garret had a clear dream: to play for FC Barcelona. His passion for football led him to join Barça Academy Carolinas after attending a camp that marked the beginning of his journey. His story is also one of resilience, in which football has become his driving force. Today, after gaining international experience and facing new challenges, he continues to work hard to get closer to his dream, always supported by his coaches and the environment that has helped him grow.

A project that keeps growing

These stories reflect the essence of Barça Academy Carolinas: a place where football is experienced as a family and where every journey is unique. Ten years on, the academy continues to show that the true value of football lies not only in results, but in the journey itself, in the people who accompany you along the way, and in the dreams that are built from day one.