In modern football, one of the most complex and decisive roles is that of the defensive pivot. This player operates just ahead of the defensive line, and their main function is to balance the team: protect the central zone, organize the build-up, cut counterattacks, and give fluidity to the game. The defensive pivot is, essentially,

In the final days of July, the Chile U-20 national team carried out an intense training camp at SIA Academy in Valencia, Spain. The objective was clear: fine-tune tactics, reinforce team concepts, and arrive in top condition for the prestigious international tournament COTIF 2025. The coaching staff opted for a short but highly focused stay.

Nutrition is one of the most important—and often underestimated—keys to a footballer’s physical performance. Beyond training and rest, the foods a player consumes on a daily basis directly impact their energy, focus, recovery, and injury prevention. At SIA Academy, nutrition is an integral part of the work done with players, from young talents in development

Saudi Arabia’s U‑20 national team chose the facilities of SIA Academy in Enguera as their official training base to prepare for the prestigious COTIF 2025 International Tournament, held in L’Alcúdia (Valencia) from July 20 to 30. The Saudi youth team opted for a high-performance and private environment in the interior of Valencia to fine-tune every

A microcycle is a weekly training unit in football, usually made up of 7 days, that allows coaches to strategically organize and distribute physical, technical, tactical, and mental loads. During this period, training is adjusted so that players arrive in peak condition on match day. This high-performance concept is a fundamental part of the training

Mental habits are repeated thought patterns and behaviors that shape the way we act, feel, and make decisions. In professional football, these habits become decisive, as they not only influence performance on the pitch but also determine a player’s ability to handle pressure, overcome mistakes, and maintain a winning mindset. Contrary to what many believe,

Off-the-ball movement is the ability of a player to move intelligently around the pitch without being in possession of the ball, with the aim of creating space, offering passing options, dragging defenders, or preparing for an offensive or defensive action. Although it may seem secondary at first glance, off-the-ball movement is one of the most

The shot on goal is one of the most decisive technical skills in football. It consists of striking the ball with a part of the foot to send it toward the opponent’s goal with the intention of scoring. Although it may sound simple, it requires coordination, accuracy, power, technique, and decision-making. Mastering it involves training

Women’s football is experiencing unprecedented growth. In the past decade, it has seen major gains in visibility, professionalization, and investment. However, structural challenges remain that must be addressed to ensure sustainable long-term development. Institutions such as SIA Academy, which are committed to fully developing young talent regardless of gender, are playing a key role in

The 2025 summer transfer window has taken an explosive turn, marked by the arrival of young signings and established stars to Europe’s biggest clubs. Amid multimillion-euro moves and strategic decisions, this period has confirmed Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester United as key players on the international scene. This list presents the 8 most consequential transfers