Impressive credentials: David Gonzalez Hidalgo, TAS Sports Director, has trained some of the world’s best soccer players.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar proved just how much the world loves soccer.
Fans cheered on big names like Carvajal, Asensio, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Modrić, Vini Jr, Rodrygo and Militão who represented their national teams and played in the final 16 matches. These players all come from Real Madrid which has launched an unprecedented program in Westchase District.
First of its kind soccer program
A household name in soccer, Real Madrid plays in La Liga and is considered one of the best teams in the world. Boasting a 100-year tradition in Europe, Real Madrid has established new operations in Houston at the Quillian Center.
For Real Madrid FC’s Foundation, administered by the Texas Academy of Soccer (TAS), the youth soccer program is significant. It is Real Madrid’s first Houston and U.S. location.
“This is the first soccer program from the Fundacion Real Madrid of this kind in the U.S.,” said Francisco Javier Meza, president of the Texas Academy of Soccer and The Real Madrid Foundation. “It is a great opportunity to grow soccer in every corner of Houston.”
Houston is a hot spot for youth soccer. The Houston Youth Soccer Association, which works with member clubs to foster, promote and advance youth soccer, has 10,000 players.
“Quillian is the ideal place for us to begin our program,” said Meza. “Westchase is a prestigious location providing easy access for families with its proximity to Beltway 8 and Westpark.”
FMH and Real Madrid, a match made in Heaven
Meza said that First Methodist Houston and Quillian Center understood his vision from their first meeting. “They made the execution of our introductory activities much easier,” said Meza. “They have a friendly, professional staff with soccer fields that fit well for our training programs.” Meza began testing the water by hosting summer soccer camps at Quillian. The name recognition of Real Madrid drew full registrations. It’s now a year-round program serving youth soccer players from ages 5 to 16.
Shots on goal: Under 12 players participate in Real Madrid’s inaugural soccer camp at Quillian’s recreational fields.
Development programs taught by renowned trainer
“Real Madrid is one of the most successful clubs in the world,” said Meza. “We will be teaching Real Madrid’s philosophy, tactical skills and values through camps, and customized soccer programs that can be long term or seasonal. We want our players to be prepared to play at the highest level.”
Leading the organization’s training is TAS Sports Director David Gonzalez Hidalgo, a Spaniard UEFA pro-certified coach. Hidalgo brings 20 years of experience in Europe and Asia with his trained coaching staff. Hidalgo comes directly from Real Madrid’s organization and has elite level credentials, working with the world’s top players.
“David has personally trained more than 30 players that now belong to professional soccer clubs around the world, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern de Munch, Atlético de Madrid, Arsenal, and Milan,” said Meza. “He gives us a work perspective that we are delivering here in Houston where we can use an elite methodology adapted to every level of our young players.”
Team players: Representatives from the Texas Academy of Soccer and the Fundacion Real Madrid served as volunteers at Westchase District’s Corporate Challenge. Pictured left-right are: Nelson Salazar, TAS Operations Assistant: Rinell Ponceleon, TAS Director of Operations; Andres Muntaner, FRM Director; Ricardo Negrin, TAS CEO; David Gonzalez, FRM and TAS Academy Director; and Francisco Meza, TAS President.
Meza noted Hidalgo will ensure Real Madrid’s philosophy is executed. Players will learn skills from a formative concept to working in an integral manner in the physical, technical, tactical, and competitive aspects as well as having a global perspective to face challenges in life.
Find out more about Texas Academy of Soccer.
