Can you genuinely do both, or is the academic side just paperwork for the visa? Here is the honest answer.
The question comes up in almost every evaluation call. Players, and especially parents, want to know whether the education component is real or just a legal workaround.
The honest answer is that it is genuinely real, and for many players one of the most underappreciated parts of the whole experience.
Why Education Is Part of the Structure
For any international player staying in Spain longer than 90 days, which covers a full football season, a Spanish Student Visa is the standard legal framework. This visa requires enrolment in an accredited institution for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
That is not a burden. It is the foundation that makes the whole pathway legal, sustainable, and properly structured.
Education Options We Support
We work with a network of accredited providers and pathways so families can choose the option that fits the player’s age, career goals, and academic situation.
**Spanish language course (intensive, accredited):** The most common route for senior players. Fast to arrange, satisfies the visa requirement, genuinely useful on the pitch within weeks.
**British international school (in person):** A-Level, BTEC, or equivalent for players aged 16 to 18 who need formal schooling.
**American high school (in person):** US curriculum delivered in Spain, suitable for younger US players continuing their high school education.
**American high school (online):** Accredited online US curriculum, allowing flexibility around training and travel.
**British international school (online):** Online A-Level or BTEC for families who prefer the flexibility of remote learning.
**University degree taught in English:** Full academic qualification alongside football, suitable for 18+ players.
**Spanish high school curriculum:** Excellent for younger players targeting long-term integration and language acquisition.
**UEFA coaching qualification:** Officially recognised vocational route, relevant for players who see their future in coaching alongside playing.
A Note on Schedules
There is no single typical schedule. The day looks very different depending on which education option you choose, whether classes are in person or online, the age of the player, and the club’s training rhythm.
As one example, a senior player on an intensive Spanish language course at our La Liga partner club might have classes in the morning, free time and recovery in the afternoon, and training in the evening, with competitive fixtures at the weekend. A younger player in a British international school might have a full academic day, training in the early evening, and weekend matches. We build out the actual weekly plan for every player as part of onboarding so families know exactly what the week looks like before committing.
The Unexpected Competitive Advantage
Players who treat the education component as a box to tick get little from it beyond legal compliance. Players who engage with it, particularly the Spanish language piece, gain a real competitive advantage on the pitch within three months.
Understanding the coach in real time. Communicating with teammates without delay. Being inside the dressing room culture rather than on the edge of it. These are technical advantages, not soft ones.
The starting point for any player we work with is an honest evaluation. Submit yours at nxtfootballer.com/evaluate.
Ben Faulkner, NXT Footballer SL
