During the 2025-2026 academic year, both institutions will offer more than 200 scholarships to support the academic education and professional development of athletes, coaches, and club staff
Following a successful first edition, Johan Cruyff Institute and League1 Canada are announcing the continuation of their joint scholarship program, aimed at players, coaches, and technical and administrative staff from clubs in Ontario and British Columbia. The call for applications will open on April 25, 2025, and will once again offer full and partial scholarships to study academic programs at Johan Cruyff Institute during the 2025-2026 academic year. These include on-campus and online master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and short courses focused on sport management and professional football.
“This scholarship program is a firm commitment to making quality education accessible to those who are transforming sport at the local level,” said Cristina Pales, Marketing Director at Johan Cruyff Institute.
“This scholarship program is a firm commitment to making quality education accessible to those who are transforming sport at the local level,” said Cristina Pales, Marketing Director at Johan Cruyff Institute. The call is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are players, coaches, or part of the staff of League1 Canada-affiliated clubs and who are not receiving any other public or private financial aid for the same academic year. Applicants must complete an application form (in English or Spanish) and submit their CV and a motivation letter.
Next Monday, May 5 at 5:00 PM (CEST), an information session will be held where professionals from Johan Cruyff Institute and League1 will explain this strategic collaboration, focused on education and talent development at the Pro-Am level of football. During the session, the available training opportunities for players, coaches, and administrative staff will be outlined, as well as the specific benefits this partnership offers to League1 Canada participants. There will also be time to answer questions and share success stories related to the program.
A scholarship program to professionalize Canadian football
The selection process will be carried out jointly by Johan Cruyff Institute and League1 Canada, with special consideration given to the candidate’s professional background, demonstrated interest in education, and future potential. The final list of selected candidates will be definitive and communicated by Johan Cruyff Institute. Applications will open on April 25 and close on June 22, 2025.
The program offers financial aid ranging from 10% to 100% of the tuition fee for different academic programs. Some of the highlights include:
- Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona (on campus, Barcelona): 1 full-tuition scholarship, 1 half-tuition scholarship
- Online Master’s Degrees in Football Business and Sport Business: 50% scholarships
- Postgraduate and specialization diplomas (online): 50% scholarships
- Online short courses (3 and 6 ECTS) and Essentials in Football Business: 10% and 50% scholarships, respectively
“We know that a sporting career is short and that preparing for the future is essential. That’s why we are proud to offer this program alongside Johan Cruyff Institute—one that not only supports education, but also opens doors to new professional pathways,” said Dino Rossi, General Manager of League1 Canada.
“We know that a sporting career is short and that preparing for the future is essential,” said Dino Rossi, General Manager of League1 Canada.
With this second edition of the scholarship program, Johan Cruyff Institute and League1 Canada reinforce their commitment to the holistic development of sporting talent—beyond the pitch.
