Category: academic chair

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Sevilla FC strengthens its ties with sports research at the UPO’s 1st International Congress on Sports Performance

Sevilla FC continues to demonstrate its commitment to the development and dissemination of knowledge through its participation in the 1st International Congress on Physical Activity and Sports Performance (CIRFyD), held on 9 and 10 October at Pablo de Olavide University (UPO). The event brings together internationally renowned researchers, academics and professionals to share knowledge and scientific advances in strength training and sports performance optimisation.

Sevilla FC was represented at the event by José María Cruz, Head of Sports Innovation at Sevilla FC, who took part in the congress’s opening ceremony, and Carlos Otero Esquina, Coordinator of the Performance Optimisation Department at Sevilla FC’s Academy, who was among the experts contributing to the scientific programme.

The congress places particular emphasis on strength training and its relationship with movement velocity, a field of research that Pablo de Olavide University has been developing since 2007 and which has become a benchmark in sports science. Participants include highly respected researchers such as Juan José González Badillo, Juan Ribas Serna, Rafael Martín Acero, Esteban Gorostiaga and José Antonio López Calbet, among others. This distinguished group of experts also shares strong ties with Sevilla FC. Dr Ribas previously served as Head of Medical Services and Head of the club’s Football Science Department, a project in which González Badillo and Dr David Rodríguez Rosell, President of the inaugural edition of the congress, were also involved.

A strategic partnership between Sevilla FC and Pablo de Olavide University

Sevilla FC’s participation in this scientific forum forms part of a long-standing partnership between the two institutions, most notably through the Sevilla FC Chair in University, Business and Sport, established in 2020 to promote research, education, innovation, employability and knowledge transfer between academia and the sports industry.

Since its establishment, the Chair has developed a range of initiatives aimed at aligning academic activity with the real-world needs of the sports industry and professional football, promoting specialised education, the integration of university talent into the professional environment and the development of new opportunities for collaboration.

Its main initiatives include specialised training programmes, summer courses on sports management applied to football, scholarships for students and professionals, and activities promoting entrepreneurship and open innovation.

This partnership has also helped establish direct links between university education and Sevilla FC’s professional activities, facilitating talent recruitment and knowledge exchange between the two organisations.

Applied research in sports performance: a shared commitment

One of the clearest examples of this commitment to research is the Manuel Blasco Garzón Awards, organised by the Sevilla FC Chair to recognise excellence in undergraduate and master’s dissertations completed by UPO students.

Among the research projects recognised in previous editions are studies directly related to physical conditioning and sports performance, including a study on the effects of strength training in young footballers, awarded in 2024, and a comparative analysis of training protocols based on velocity loss during sets, recognised in 2025.

These research areas highlight the connection between university research and some of the major challenges facing modern physical conditioning, particularly in areas such as strength development, individualised training and performance enhancement.

In this context, Carlos Otero’s participation in CIRFyD provides a perspective closely linked to the day-to-day work carried out within Sevilla FC’s Academy, where performance optimisation is a fundamental part of player education and development.

Sevilla FC Innovation Center: connecting science and football

Sevilla FC’s participation in scientific events of this nature reflects the philosophy of the Sevilla FC Innovation Center, conceived as a platform to promote innovation, education and knowledge transfer within the football industry.

Within this ecosystem, collaboration with academic institutions such as Pablo de Olavide University plays a key role in connecting scientific research with the challenges faced by sports professionals, both in professional football and at academy level.

The shared history of collaboration through the Sevilla FC Chair, together with the presence of club professionals at international forums such as CIRFyD, reinforces a common vision: bringing science onto the pitch and turning knowledge into a tool for talent development and the continuous improvement of sports performance.

Through its participation in this congress, Sevilla FC continues to strengthen its commitment to an open innovation model closely connected to academia, in which research, education and the practical application of knowledge are fundamental pillars for the future of football.

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El análisis en el fútbol profesional: una visión desde dentro del Sevilla Fútbol Club

En el marco del Máster en Big Data aplicado al scouting en fútbol, los profesionales del área de análisis del Sevilla Fútbol Club compartieron una sesión en la que trasladaron, desde una perspectiva práctica y real, cómo se estructura y evoluciona el trabajo de análisis dentro de un club de élite.

La charla permitió a los alumnos conocer no solo herramientas o metodologías, sino también el contexto organizativo, la evolución del rol del analista y la importancia estratégica del dato en el fútbol moderno.

Un departamento clave dentro de la estructura del club

El área de análisis se integra dentro del departamento de innovación deportiva, lo que refleja una idea fundamental: el análisis ya no es un complemento, sino una pieza estructural dentro de la toma de decisiones deportivas.

Desde esta posición, el equipo de análisis trabaja de forma transversal con diferentes áreas del club:

  • Dirección deportiva
  • Primer equipo
  • Cantera
  • Departamentos de rendimiento y desarrollo
  • Departamento médico.
  • Departamento financiero y recursos humano.
  • Departamento de comunicación. 
  • Área de datos.

Esta ubicación permite que el análisis no se limite al corto plazo (resultado inmediato), sino que tenga un impacto en el desarrollo del talento, la planificación deportiva y la optimización de recursos.

Perfiles multidisciplinares: la clave del éxito

Uno de los aspectos más destacados de la sesión fue la importancia de construir equipos con perfiles diversos. Lejos de un modelo único de analista, el departamento está formado por profesionales con distintas especializaciones:

  • Expertos en análisis táctico del juego
  • Especialistas en datos y programación
  • Profesionales del ámbito del rendimiento físico
  • Perfiles híbridos con conocimientos en varias áreas

Esta combinación permite generar una visión 360º del jugador y del juego, integrando lo que ocurre en el campo con lo que reflejan los datos.

El mensaje para los alumnos es claro: el futuro del sector pasa por la combinación de conocimiento futbolístico y capacidades analíticas, junto con una actitud constante de aprendizaje.

La evolución del análisis: de “figura desconocida” a pilar estratégico

Uno de los puntos más interesantes fue la reflexión sobre cómo ha evolucionado el rol del analista en los últimos años.

Hace no tanto tiempo, el analista era percibido como una figura externa, incluso con cierta desconfianza por parte de los cuerpos técnicos. Sin embargo, gracias al desarrollo de metodologías y herramientas, el análisis ha pasado a convertirse en un elemento fundamental dentro del ecosistema del fútbol.

Esta evolución se ha producido en varios niveles:

  • Tecnológico
    • De procesos manuales a automatización
    • Uso de herramientas como Power BI o lenguajes como Python
    • Implementación de sistemas de tracking automático
  • Metodológico
    • De informes estáticos a dashboards dinámicos
    • De datos aislados a modelos de análisis complejos
    • Creación de indicadores de rendimiento y sistemas de scoring
  • Organizativo
    • Integración del analista dentro de la estructura del club
    • Mayor interacción con múltiples departamentos
    • Participación en la toma de decisiones

El objetivo ya no es simplemente recolectar datos, sino transformarlos en información útil y accionable.

El dato como motor de decisión

Durante la sesión se hizo especial hincapié en una idea clave:


“El dato no es el fin, es el medio.”

El verdadero valor del análisis reside en la capacidad de convertir datos en conocimiento que impacte en:

  • La mejora del rendimiento individual y colectivo
  • La identificación y evaluación de talento
  • La toma de decisiones en scouting
  • La optimización de procesos internos
  • En la toma de decisión ejecutiva.

En este contexto, se destacó el desarrollo de herramientas como:

  • Modelos de scoring por posición
  • Sistemas de comparación entre jugadores y equipos
  • Bases de datos enriquecidas mediante procesos propios (ETL y minería de datos)

Además, la automatización de procesos permite liberar tiempo para que los analistas se centren en tareas de mayor valor añadido.

El día a día del analista: planificación y mejora continua

Otro de los puntos clave fue la explicación del trabajo diario dentro del departamento.

El proceso comienza en pretemporada, donde se definen los objetivos tanto operativos como estratégicos. A partir de ahí, el trabajo se desarrolla de forma estructurada durante toda la temporada:

  • Apoyo constante a los cuerpos técnicos
  • Análisis de partidos y jugadores
  • Elaboración de informes dinámicos
  • Revisión y mejora de procesos
  • Adaptación a cambios dentro del club

Este enfoque refleja una cultura de mejora continua, donde cada temporada se convierte en una oportunidad para evolucionar tanto a nivel individual como colectivo.

Salidas profesionales reales

Uno de los mensajes más motivadores para los alumnos fue la evidencia de que el camino hacia el fútbol profesional es posible.

Desde el propio departamento se destacó que:

  • Alumnos del máster han realizado prácticas en el club
  • Muchos de ellos han terminado trabajando en estructuras profesionales
  • Existen casos de éxito en clubes nacionales e internacionales

Esto refuerza la idea de que la formación especializada, combinada con experiencia práctica, puede convertirse en un auténtico trampolín hacia la industria del fútbol.

De la formación al fútbol profesional: el siguiente paso

La sesión dejó una idea clara: el fútbol actual ya no se entiende sin el análisis y el uso inteligente del dato.

El Máster en Big Data aplicado al scouting en fútbol se posiciona como una formación alineada con esta realidad, ofreciendo a los alumnos no solo conocimientos técnicos, sino también una conexión directa con el entorno profesional.

En un sector cada vez más competitivo, la combinación de formación, especialización y experiencia práctica marca la diferencia. Y este tipo de iniciativas acercan a los alumnos a ese objetivo: convertirse en profesionales del fútbol del presente y del futuro.

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The Danish Football Association takes part in the Coaches Academy programme

The Sevilla FC Innovation Center welcomed future coaches from the Danish Football Association to the José Ramón Cisneros Palacios Training Ground this week, as they are currently completing their UEFA A coaching licence.

This visit marks the Danish FA’s first participation in the international Coaches Academy programme, an initiative designed to offer tailored educational experiences to clubs and federations from different countries.

During their stay, the coaches took part in a fully immersive experience that enabled them to gain an in-depth understanding of Sevilla FC’s sporting model, from Sporting Direction to academy teams.

The programme included:

  • Strategic sessions with sporting department leaders.
  • Live training observations.
  • Methodological analysis of tasks and planning.
  • Professional exchange and discussion spaces.

The high level of engagement and interest shown by the delegation has led to the arrival of a second group of Danish coaches, consolidating an international relationship based on knowledge transfer and educational excellence.

Sevilla FC Innovation Center continues to strengthen its positioning as a European benchmark in coach education and structural development for sports organisations.

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Sevilla FC and FC Real Sireti hold a working meeting

Sevilla FC once again showed that its greatness goes beyond the pitch.


On September 30 and October 1, the José Ramón Cisneros Palacios Training Ground became the stage for an international meeting: the visit of a delegation from FC Real Sireti, as part of an exchange and collaboration program focused on talent development and scouting.

During their stay, the representatives of the visiting club immersed themselves in the Sevillista identity. From the High Performance Program training sessions to the youth academy teams, Sevilla C and Sevilla Atlético, the coaches were able to witness first-hand the methodology that has made Sevilla FC a benchmark in the comprehensive development of footballers.

The agenda also included high-level meetings with the Data Football Department, the Youth Academy Analysis Area, and the innovative Football Laboratory, where experiences were shared on innovation, performance monitoring, and advanced methodologies to enhance talent.

The afternoons were dedicated to Sevilla FC’s youth academy, the true heart of the club, where the methodological and human approach drew the attention of the visiting delegation. The final highlight was a tour of the legendary Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.

Through this exchange, Sevilla FC reaffirms its international outlook and its commitment to the identification, training, and development of young talent, continuing to project values and excellence beyond our borders.

Because at Sevilla FC, every visit is also an opportunity to grow.

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Hispania FF of Puerto Rico visits the Players Academy Program

Hispania FF of Puerto Rico Visits the Players Academy Program at Sevilla FC Innovation Center

In recent days, the Players Academy program at the Sevilla FC Innovation Center welcomed a special visit from the players of Hispania FF of Puerto Rico. The club’s delegation, composed of more than 60 players of various age groups and four coaches, was divided into four categories to take full advantage of the development and training offered by Sevilla FC’s player enhancement program.

As part of their experience, the players took part in training sessions at the club’s sports city, following the official Sevilla FC methodology. Their stay also included a friendly match against Sevilla FC’s Infantil A side, coached by Álex Martín.

In addition, the visiting group had the opportunity to explore the club’s top-tier facilities, including a full tour of the iconic Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.

The group also attended educational sessions delivered by various Sevilla FC professionals, covering topics such as international sports projects and sports psychology.

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Taking part in the Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair of the UPO

The Pablo de Olavide University has presented the 9th edition of its Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair, which will be held in person on April 22 and 23, and online on April 24. The event, driven by the UPO (Pablo de Olavide University), aims to connect students with companies and entities from the productive sector. This edition will feature the Sevilla Innovation Center, as part of the program framed within the Sevilla FC Chair: university, business, and sport.

A new feature in this edition is the virtual phase of the Fair, which will be carried out through a new web platform. The Vice-Rector for Students, Employability, and Entrepreneurship, Amapola Povedano Díaz, highlighted this development during the opening ceremony, stating that “we aim for the 9th edition of the Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair to foster interaction between companies, institutions, and the talent generated by the university.”

The Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair will feature various information stands, a business pavilion, job offers, an exhibitor agenda, and a conference schedule. Students, who must register in advance to participate in the different activities, will be able to explore first-hand the job opportunities available after finishing their studies, as well as current labor market demands.

Through a virtual platform, students will be able to register for different meetings with companies, learn about their internship and hiring plans, sign up for in-person talks, submit their resumes to companies, and access the information provided by the various participating companies.

The Innovation Center will be present with an informative and innovative stand offering its training programs.

We look forward to seeing you in person on April 22 and 23 and online on April 24!

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The winners of the 4th edition of the Blasco Garzón Awards have been chosen

The ‘Sevilla FC Chair: University, Business, and Sport’ at Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) opened the submission period for the 4th edition of the Manuel Blasco Garzón Award on January 29. This award recognizes excellence in the best Bachelor’s and Master’s Final Projects presented by UPO students, including both official degrees and lifelong learning programs.

Through this initiative, Sevilla FC, via its Innovation Center, aims to promote research, academic study, and knowledge transfer across various fields. The list of accepted submissions can be found at this link.

The Manuel Blasco Garzón Award pays tribute to the former Sevilla FC president, under whose leadership the club won two Andalusian Cups, hired its first team doctor, organized its first training camps, and hosted the Spanish Cup final at the Reina Victoria Stadium between FC Barcelona and Arenas Club de Getxo.

Blasco Garzón was also a key figure in Seville’s social and cultural life, serving as president of the Ateneo de Sevilla and promoting educational initiatives to improve cultural access in neighborhoods and combat illiteracy.

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List of accepted works in the IV edition of the Blasco Garzón Award

The ‘Cátedra Sevilla FC: Universidad, Empresa y Deporte’ at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO) opened the submission period for the III edition of the Manuel Blasco Garzón Award on November 20. This award recognizes the excellence of the best Bachelor’s and Master’s theses presented by students enrolled at UPO, both in official degrees and in continuing education programs. Through this initiative, Sevilla FC, via its Innovation Center, aims to promote study, research initiation, and knowledge transfer across various fields. The list of accepted submissions can be consulted at this link.

The Manuel Blasco Garzón Award pays tribute to the memory of the former president of Sevilla FC, under whose tenure the club won two Andalusian Cups, hired the first doctor in the club’s history, organized the first training camps, and secured the hosting of the Spanish Cup final at the Reina Victoria Stadium, contested between FC Barcelona and Club Arenas de Guecho. Additionally, his board included a young man destined to write the greatest chapters in the club’s history: Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Blasco Garzón was also a prominent figure in Seville’s social and cultural life at the time, serving, among other roles, as president of the Ateneo de Sevilla and promoting projects aimed at bringing culture to local neighborhoods, contributing to citizens’ education, and helping combat illiteracy.

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The Business Academy Program welcomes a delegation of clubs from Sweden

The Sevilla FC Innovation Center continues to demonstrate its commitment to education in the football industry. During the first week of December, two Swedish clubs, Mjällby AIF and IK Sirius Fotboll, took part in a training session as part of the Business Academy program.

The communications managers from both clubs visited the José Ramón Cisneros Palacios Training Center, where they gained firsthand insight into the workings of Sevilla FC’s various business areas and the daily operations of its communications department. Their experience included observing external media interactions during training sessions and press conferences, as well as attending a press briefing by coach Xavier García Pimienta ahead of the match against Club Atlético Osasuna.

Participants in this Business Academy training expressed high satisfaction with the knowledge they gained about the club’s operations and took note of various methodologies to consider implementing in their own organizations.

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The Sevilla FC Innovation Center conducted a training session with a group of coaches from China

The Coaches Academy program organized by the Sevilla FC Innovation Center recently welcomed a group of coaches from China, in collaboration with LALIGA and the country’s Ministry of Education. The visit aimed to provide training sessions and offer firsthand insight into the club’s sporting methodology across all its areas.

During their stay, the participants took part in a specially designed program that explored innovative training methodologies, technical and tactical analysis, and comprehensive team management, with a particular focus on youth football development. The group had the opportunity to closely observe Sevilla FC’s working model, participating in club activities and witnessing training sessions, as well as internal analysis and organizational processes, firsthand.

“We had a very good experience here. We visited the training grounds, the various academy categories, the women’s team, and the first team. We learned many things, not only about managing the technical side of the club but also the business aspects. What we enjoyed most was watching training sessions of players of different ages on the field,” explained the delegation leader, Wang Chao.

As part of the training, the coaches highly appreciated the opportunity to learn about Sevilla FC’s methodology and the meticulous attention to detail that facilitates the daily lives of players, both at the professional and developmental stages.

“For coaches and players, it is very important to understand how this sport works. Football is an interactive sport both on and off the field, which makes it the most popular sport in the world. It’s not just about training; it’s about paying attention to details, methodology, and planning. This inspires us to focus on everything from the smallest details to the bigger picture,” reflected Chao.

Participation in this program reaffirms Sevilla FC’s commitment to establishing itself as a global benchmark in sports education, fostering connections with different cultures, and promoting the exchange of knowledge to strengthen the development of football worldwide.

If you are interested in learning more about these types of programs, contact us through this link.

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The Swedish forward Sebastián Fineman makes his debut with Sevilla FC

Sevilla FC D, the club’s international team, has added a new signing with the arrival of Sebastian Fineman. The Swedish forward has already joined the team’s ranks and experienced his first training sessions under the guidance of Óscar Olomo and his coaching staff.

“I’m feeling great. I’m enjoying the city and the team. There are good teammates and coaches. We have good chemistry. So far, I’m really enjoying it. It’s much warmer here than in Sweden. You know, back there it’s snow and all that during winter, but I like warm weather, so it’s not a problem for me,” he shared about his first impressions at the club.

The player has already set himself the goal of learning Spanish for a smoother integration, although he appreciates the positive atmosphere with his teammates and the coaching staff led by Óscar Olomo: “It’s a big change, of course. I have to adapt and try to learn a bit of Spanish so I can communicate with my teammates. We try to communicate with gestures and simple words, so it’s going well.”

Fineman, who describes himself as “a good finisher and a strong player,” acknowledges that playing for Sevilla FC is a great opportunity: “Being part of this means a lot. It’s a big club, and it’s a great chance for me to show what I can do on the field, and I hope everything goes well.” Finally, he highlighted that Jesús Navas is a source of inspiration for him: “He’s a true club legend, he’s done so much and is the face of the club, and I enjoy watching him play.”

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The 24-25 season kicks off at the Antonio Puerta Football School



The Antonio Puerta Football School experienced one of its stellar events of the season yesterday, the inauguration ceremony for the new school year at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium. Hundreds of children gathered at Sevilla FC’s stadium to kick off a season filled with excitement, football, Sevillista values, and fun. The event was attended by Sevilla FC president José María del Nido Carrasco, players Juanlu, Agoumé, and Pedro Ortiz, as well as female players Esther Sullastres, Diana Gomes, and Pamela González. Numerous fun activities were organized for the students, along with a simple public presentation for the parents where the school’s operation was explained.

“We are entering the 16th year of the school that bears the name of our eternal number 16. A number that tells us very different things. As always, and above all, this school is the best possible tribute to our Antonio Puerta. At Sevilla FC, we remember him and keep him in our hearts every day, but I believe that through his name in this school, with his name on the lips of all these boys and girls, it is one of the most cherished things for Antonio, who I’m sure is watching you all with enthusiasm and pride. The second meaning of 16 is that these 16 years of this beautiful project mean it is more alive than ever, instilling wonderful values in our children: equality, fraternity, teamwork, education, and sport. You need to play sports and have fun, but also study and educate yourselves, because education will give you the freedom to choose,” the president told the students.

The event featured a mini football fair before and after the ceremony, with the main novelty being a magician’s performance, and as last year, a freestyle football show. Additionally, the children were able to tour the official bus of the first team. The final spots for enrollment in the 2024-25 school year are available through this link.