Summer Doesn't Mean Time Off: Villarreal Houston Academy Players Earn International Opportunities Across Spain
- cesar coronel
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
For many youth soccer players, summer is a time to relax and take a break from competition. At Villarreal Houston Academy, however, summer often represents something different—a chance to continue growing, competing, and learning at the highest levels of the game.
This June, six Villarreal Houston Academy players will travel to Spain to represent Villarreal CF in elite international tournaments, competing alongside some of the most talented young players from around the United States and around the world.
These opportunities are not soccer vacations or international tours.
They are the result of a year's worth of commitment, hard work, development, and performance.
After being identified through Villarreal CF's international development pathway, these players have earned the opportunity to wear the Villarreal CF badge on the international stage and compete in some of Spain's most respected youth tournaments.
Representing Villarreal CF in Spain
Gijón ESEI Cup – Asturias, Spain
June 22-24, 2026
Representing Villarreal CF in the 2010 age group:
Alex Gonzales
Alex will travel to Asturias, Spain, where he will compete against elite international opposition in one of Spain's premier youth tournaments. The experience will provide him with valuable exposure to different styles of play and a highly competitive international environment.
Salou ESEI Cup – Salou, Spain
June 21-24, 2026
Representing Villarreal CF in the 2012 age group:
Kalel Coronel ,Jonathan Gonzales and Vicente Calix
These three players have earned the opportunity to join Villarreal CF's international squad in Salou, where they will compete against top academies and players from across Europe and beyond. The tournament offers an exceptional environment for player growth, challenging athletes to adapt and perform at a high level.
Mallorca International Football Cup – Mallorca, Spain
June 19-24, 2026
Representing Villarreal CF in the 2014 age group:
Jace Manila and Ezequiel Abuawad
Jace and Ezequiel will participate in the prestigious Mallorca International Football Cup, where they will gain invaluable experience competing against elite international competition while continuing their development within the Villarreal methodology.
More Than a Tournament
At Villarreal Houston Academy, we believe international experiences are about much more than results on the field.
Of course, players have the opportunity to compete against strong opposition and experience different tactical approaches to the game. But equally important are the life lessons that come from international travel and competition.
Players learn how soccer is played in different countries. They experience new cultures, meet teammates and opponents from around the world, and gain a deeper understanding of the global game. They are challenged to adapt, communicate, problem-solve, and grow both as players and as people.
These are experiences that stay with young athletes long after the final whistle.
A Reflection of the Work Being Done
The selection of these six players is not an accident.
It is a reflection of the work they have put in throughout the year and the development environment that exists within Villarreal Houston Academy. Every training session, every match, and every challenge has helped prepare them for opportunities like these.
As an official Villarreal CF partner academy, our mission is to provide meaningful development opportunities for players who are committed to reaching their potential. Seeing our players earn international opportunities year after year is evidence that the pathway is working.
The Next Opportunity Could Be Yours
As these players prepare to represent Villarreal CF in Spain this summer, we continue to look for ambitious and committed players who want to be part of a high-performance development environment.
Whether your goal is to compete at the highest local levels, earn opportunities to train and play internationally, or simply become the best player you can be, Villarreal Houston Academy provides a pathway designed around long-term player development.
Tryouts Now Open for the 2026-2027 Season
We are currently evaluating players for our Performance Academy teams across multiple age groups.
If you are ready to challenge yourself and become part of one of the fastest-growing development environments in Texas, submit your tryout request today:
Congratulations to Alex Gonzales, Kalel Coronel, Jonathan Gonzales, Vicente Calix, Jace Manila, and Ezequiel Abuawad as they prepare to represent Villarreal CF and Villarreal Houston Academy on the international stage this summer.
The work never stops. The journey continues.
Endavant Villarreal!
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