The SIA Academy players took part in an off-site activity. They travelled to the city of Valencia to enjoy its streets, shops and visit several emblematic places. They went to the City of Arts and Sciences and ended the day at the Valencia CF stadium.
Mestalla is the place where the Valencianista team plays its home matches. Our players visited the inside of the stadium. They sat on the benches and in the VIP area, saw the changing rooms and trophies of the club, as well as learning all about the history of the ‘coliseum’.
History of Mestalla
Mestalla was inaugurated in 1923 with a friendly match between Valencia FC and Levante FC. During its early years it was remodelled to have a maximum capacity of 25,000 spectators. It was also the place where Valencia CF celebrated its first title, the 1941 cup.
In the 1980s it was remodelled again in order to host World Cup 82 matches held in Spain. A decade later it also hosted matches at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The stadium is the oldest stadium in the Spanish Primera División and has a capacity of 49,430 fans.
History of Valencia CF
Valencia is a club founded in 1919. It plays in the Primera División of LaLiga and is the fourth team in the competition’s historical ranking, behind only FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. It has 6 La Liga titles, 8 King’s Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup, 3 UEFA Cups, 2 European Super Cups and 1 European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Mario Alberto Kempes is one of the club’s legends. The Argentinian enjoyed his best period in Valencia. Romario and Claudio Lopez were also flagship players at the club. In the 21st century, came the 2004 double with Rafa Benítez as coach. It was a team for football history, becoming that year the best club in the world.
Paterna Sports City
Valencia CF train in the grounds of Paterna. A locality very close to the city and where its Ciudad Deportiva is located. With 8 F11 pitches, 6 F8 pitches and a surface area of 180,000 square metres, it is a benchmark in football.
The current Sports City was refurbished in 1992 and since then it has been adapted to technological improvements. Both in training equipment and in the quality of the grass and lighting. It also has a large gymnasium and the Academy offices. All the players who aspire to be part of the first team in the future train here.
SIA Academy Activities
Throughout the year, SIA Academy players have the opportunity to enjoy activities off the pitch. It is important to have time for leisure, socialising and culture. For this reason, monthly outings are organised to the city of Valencia or Xàtiva, visits to First Division pitches or cultural excursions.
From time to time it is ideal to clear the mind and get away from it all. Training has its own schedule, but so do other non-sporting activities. Getting to know the natural environment that surrounds our facilities, going shopping or seeing monuments is also a good alternative to disconnect.
Watch Primera División matches
One of the options available is to go and watch professional football matches. Soccer Inter-Action has tickets for the Elche CF, Levante UD or Valencia CF grounds to visit their matches. In this way, players can see the teams in action and feel the atmosphere of a full stadium. It is an unforgettable experience.
All the players can be close to their idols, experience the excitement of a live match and get to know what Spanish football is like. It is an activity that all the players love and which is repeated at every home game.
Excursions and cultural visits
In addition, there are other alternatives. We have a lake close to SIA Academy for the summer season. You can also go cycling in the mountains and get to know everything that surrounds us. On the other hand, at special times such as Fallas, players go to Valencia to see the monuments and enjoy the atmosphere.
All of this is necessary for a player to be able to perform in optimum conditions. It is not only the training that will mark his progression, but also the rest, nutrition and mental aspect have to be good for a player to grow every day.
