During a study trip to Barcelona, organized by Johan Cruyff Institute, ISM students received academic training and visited some of the most iconic sports venues
A comprehensive education in sports management requires not only a solid academic foundation but also practical experience that allows students to develop a strategic and up-to-date vision. With this objective in mind, a group of students from the International School of Management (ISM) participated in a study trip to Barcelona, where they combined expert-led training sessions with visits to the city’s most important stadiums.
The Academic Seminar in Sports Management that the students completed included theoretical sessions on key topics such as digital transformation, player representation and scouting, and sports psychology. The program, focused on the football industry, was complemented by visits to the RCD Espanyol stadium, the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and the FC Barcelona Museum.
Edgar Romero Jara, Corporate Relations at Johan Cruyff Institute, highlighted the value of combining theoretical content with visits to sports venues: “Our mission is to offer students experiences that go beyond the classroom, providing them with practical and up-to-date knowledge in sports management. Gaining first-hand insight into how top clubs and sports organizations operate gives them a real and applicable perspective for their professional future.” Romero Jara was also one of the professors in charge of the theoretical sessions, delivering the seminar “Insights into the Sports Industry with a Special Focus on Football.”
Aina Cantí, a graduate of Johan Cruyff Institute and currently working as Digital Channels Specialist at Dorna Sports, led a workshop on digital transformation. There, students from ISM University of Management and Economics learned about the evolution of consumption models, fan experience, and the transformation of sports venues, among other topics.
A Study Trip that combined theoretical knowledge with visits to key places in the sports industry
During their visit to the RCD Espanyol stadium, participants learned about the club’s business model and organizational structure. At the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, they explored FC Barcelona’s training center, where future elite footballers are developed. Finally, the visit to the FC Barcelona Museum provided them with a historical and cultural perspective on the club’s evolution, from its beginnings to its establishment as one of the most influential sports entities in the world.
This study trip not only provided theoretical and practical knowledge in sports management but also allowed ISM students to expand their network and enjoy an enriching experience in one of the most vibrant football cities in the world. With initiatives like this, Johan Cruyff Institute reaffirms its commitment to training future professionals who will contribute to the development and modernization of the sports industry.
