Barcelona build for the future

Barcelona have underlined their commitment to investing in youth by unveiling new facilities at their famed La Masia football academy.

The state-of-the-art Oriol Tort Training Centre, an eight-million-euro investment, takes the name of the man credited with nurturing the talents of some of Barcelona’s most renowned players, including Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Tort, who passed away in 1999, managed the La Masia project after the academy was opened in 1979, and quickly developed the training centre into one of the best in the world.

The new facilities, which can house up to 82 students, will replace La Masia de Can Planes, the 18th century farmhouse that had been home to the club’s youngsters since for over 30 years.

La Masia is the only academy to have trained all three finalists for the Ballon d’Or in one same year, with Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi all learning their trade there.

Under coach Pep Guardiola’s tenure at the club, 18 players from La Masia have made their first-team debuts at the Catalan club.