The ESS Residency Program is led by UEFA Pro licensed coach Didi Rodriguez, a former player of FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, and a former coach at La Liga club Girona FC.

The combination of his playing resume and more than 15 years of coaching provides ESS Residency players one of the top coaches in Spain to guide them through their experience.

Along with his on-field coaching, Didi holds weekly team video analysis sessions and provides a complete player analysis, including video, after the completion of the program.

UE Sant Andreu is recognized as one of the premier academies in Barcelona, with over 800 players and teams competing in the top Catalan leagues. ESS´s close knit relationship with them creates an ideal environment for ESS players to develop.

The UE Sant Andreu first team competes in the 4th division of Spanish professional football (Segunda RFEF) at Estadi Narcís Sala, where ESS Residency players train with their academy teams.

During their 2 weeks at UE Sant Andreu, ESS Players train 2-3 times per week at night with their academy teams, a unique opportunity to train with one of the top clubs in Barcelona and an authentic, unfiltered, and raw Spanish training experience.

ESS Players train 3 times per week in the morning with ESS Director of Futbol Didi Rodriguez and his staff. The morning sessions allow the ESS staff to prepare the players for friendly matches as well as work on needed corrections observed in training.

ESS Residency players play a minimum of 7 international matches while in Spain, with the possibility of more depending on tournament success MIC.

All matches are filmed in order to provide individual and team video analysis, and to provide parents the opportunity to see the matches.

ESS Players have 1 team video analysis per week and receive a highlight film from their matches in Spain after the program is complete.

• March 19 - Arrival to Barcelona

• March 19 - 23 - Pre-MIC Training Camp

• March 23 - 28 - MIC

• March 28 - April 11 - Residency with ESS and UE Sant Andreu

• April 11 - Depart

• 8:30 - 9:30am - Breakfast

• 10:00 - 11:30am - ESS Training

• 1:30 - 2:30pm - Lunch

• 3:00 - 5:00pm - Study Hall

• 6:30 - 8:30pm - UE Sant Andreu Training

• 8:30 - 9:30pm - Dinner

• 10pm - Lights out

Upon arrival to Barcelona, ESS Residency players have an intensive 5-day training camp to prepare for one of the top tournaments in Europe that includes the following:

• 5 Pre-MIC Training sessions

• 1 Pre-MIC match

• 1 Pre-MIC video analysis

MIC Football is one of the most famous youth tournaments in Europe, with some of the world’s biggest clubs participating. In 2024 ESS Residency reached the quarterfinals and lost a close match to Villareal 1-0, and in 2025 defeated Atlético Madrid in the quarterfinal before falling in the semifinal to eventual champion Figueres.

After the intensive Pre-MIC preparation working with ESS Residency Director Didi Rodriguez and his staff, ESS Residency players get to test themselves against the very best in the world at MIC.

Players are housed at the ESS Residency in Masnou, just 15 minutes north of Barcelona. A short walk to the ESS training facilities and the beach, Masnou is a safe and calm neighborhood, and the perfect location for ESS Residency players.

Players have 24 hour surveillance and security in the residence and an ESS staff member living on site.

All meals (3 per day) are served at the residency. Nutrition is of the highest concern and all meals are chosen and monitored by ESS staff.

The city's landscape features Antoni Gaudí’s surreal structures, such as the iconic Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter, with its narrow medieval streets, contrasts sharply with the modern Eixample district.

Famous for its beaches, vibrant street life, and delicious cuisine, Barcelona offers a mix of traditional Catalan dishes and innovative gastronomy.

✅ Fee Includes

• Full room and board

• All transportation in Spain

• All Training with ESS and UE Sant Andreu

• Pre-MIC Training Camp

• MIC tournament

• Video analysis & player evaluation

• Full ESS training and match kit

• Insurance

❌ Fee Excludes

• Flights to and from Spain

• Souvenirs

Insurance for all players is included and provided by InterMudial, a well renowned insurance provider in Spain. ESS Players are covered for medical and travel assistance including everything from problems with flights and luggage, to hospitalization for injuries or sickness, and medications. This provides security and stability in terms of the health and care of the players. ESS Staff manages any usage of the policy and claim process.

ESS staff, players and families use the 360 Player application to manage and execute the daily and weekly agendas.

Updated daily with information on trainings, matches, classes, meals, trips, tournaments, etc., 360 Player keeps the players on top of their schedules and allows parents to keep up to date on a daily basis in Spain.

didi@europeansoccersolutions.com

todd@europeansoccersolutions.com