Following the success of the first season, Johan Cruyff Institute and the Spanish Basketball Federation (acb) have launched the second, improved, and revised edition of the academic program for the professional development of players and former players
A year ago, Johan Cruyff Institute and acb introduced the first specialized academic training program designed specifically to address the needs of players, helping them transition after concluding their sporting careers. Based on the positive experience of the first edition, the program has evolved to become even more useful, offering comprehensive academic training that supports participants in various aspects of professional development.
The second edition includes specialized content in management, addressing both the sporting and business environments. The program emphasizes the practical application of knowledge to the players’ professional contexts. It also focuses on developing essential competencies for planning their professional future, offering a clear roadmap to help participants transition to the next stage of their careers with greater preparation and confidence.
Sergi García, Pere Tomàs, Erik Quintela, Santi Yusta, Jaime Fernández Bernabé, Álex Reyes, Ante Tomic, Kassius Robertson, and Beqa Burjanadze are among the first students of this second edition. The program is tailored to the players’ schedules and competitive demands, featuring an online component requiring a weekly commitment of three hours (30 minutes daily), a two-day in-person phase, and personal mentoring. acb oversees the entire process, providing continuous support through monitoring sessions and workshops at the Association’s headquarters, where participants also learn about the league’s management model.
acb Photo – M Pozo – Álvaro Muñoz, participant in the first edition of the program.
Antonio Martín, president of acb, shared his assessment of the first edition: “It has worked very well thanks to the students’ participation; they were engaged and proactive from the beginning.” Last May, Martín met with the students at acb’s offices. He highlighted the importance of helping players continue their professional training while competing, saying, “This support is crucial in preparing them for their future after leaving the court.”
Vítor Benite, one of the players from the first edition, emphasized the program’s value for life beyond sports: “I really liked and enjoyed it. It prepared me, taught me, and created a solid foundation for what’s next—a pillar for planning the future and the career you choose. Our life as athletes is short, and the more knowledge we have, the better. I particularly enjoyed the business aspects, learning about management, marketing, and institutions. The course gives you clarity and confidence about your future, which is the most exciting part of completing it.”
“The course gives you clarity and confidence about your future, which is the most exciting part of completing it.” Vítor Benite
Kendrick Perry, another of the students who went through the program, highlighted the program’s entrepreneurial focus: “The course and guest speakers provided valuable insights into life after basketball. As an entrepreneur, I especially enjoyed the topics on marketing, innovation, and sponsorship.”
“The course and guest speakers provided valuable insights into life after basketball.” Kendrick Perry
Víctor Jordán, academic director of Johan Cruyff Institute, described the first edition as “an incredibly rewarding experience for the teachers.” He praised the students’ engagement and effort, noting: “It was remarkable to see how reflective the students were on topics beyond sports. Their appreciation for the program, reflected in conversations and satisfaction surveys, was evident. The high level of participation, ability to balance studies with professional practice, and the quality of their work demonstrated their commitment and the value they saw in the program.”
