LaLiga and EA SPORTS Bring "Next Gen Drafts" Program to Morocco to Discover and Nurture Young Talent
LaLiga, the Spanish football league, and EA SPORTS continue to shape the future of football with the launch of the second edition of "Next Gen Drafts." This international program combines competition, training, and developmental experiences to bring football closer to young talents from diverse cultures and communities.
Morocco will host this initiative from March 27 to 29, as part of the 2026 edition. "Next Gen Drafts" is a component of EA SPORTS FC FUTURES, EA SPORTS' long-term initiative focused on investing in grassroots football and communities worldwide. It reflects LaLiga and EA SPORTS' commitment to creating genuine opportunities for the next generation of footballers.
The 2026 edition of the youth talent selection program will take place in Mexico, Japan, Nigeria, Morocco, and China, culminating in Spain. Approximately 900 boys and girls from around the world are expected to participate. The program's stop in Morocco highlights the growth of grassroots football in the country and its increasingly important role within the global football ecosystem.
A Program Designed to Discover and Nurture Talent
The LALIGA FC FUTURES program consists of four stages designed to evaluate and enhance both the footballing skills and personal values of participants:
1. FC Rush Tournament: Inspired by the EA SPORTS FC video game, registered players will compete in 5-a-side matches, each consisting of two 7-minute halves. With over 80 matches held in a single day, official LaLiga scouts from Spain will assess technical abilities, vision, sportsmanship, and overall performance to select 50 players (25 girls and 25 boys).
2. FC FUTURES Academy Training: The 50 selected players will receive personalized training inspired by FC FUTURES best practices, delivered by LaLiga coaches holding UEFA PRO licenses and utilizing the official LaLiga methodology. The top 32 players (16 girls and 16 boys) will qualify for the next stage.
3. The Final Match: In this stage, the talented young players will compete in a full 11-a-side match against a local team. Following the match, the top 4 girls and 4 boys will be chosen to represent their country in a unique LaLiga experience. Selection will not only be based on athletic performance but also on psychological and emotional factors, with values such as commitment, teamwork, and perseverance playing a crucial role.
4. LaLiga Experience (June - July): In the final stage of the program, qualifiers will travel to Spain, with all expenses covered, to join an international group of 40 young talents (8 from each stage). During this experience, players will receive professional training from UEFA PRO-licensed LaLiga coaches, participate in friendly matches against youth teams from LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs, and enjoy exclusive visits and activities that introduce them to the elite European football environment.
EA SPORTS FC FUTURES: A Look Towards the Future
EA SPORTS FC FUTURES is a long-term global initiative by EA SPORTS to invest in community football. In addition to supporting over 15 partner programs and donating equipment in more than 10 countries, the project also provides a free online library of training exercises for coaches to use in their daily sessions. These exercises combine visual elements from the game with expert coach guidance, blending the physical and digital aspects of the sport to create innovative learning experiences for young players. The project also invests in rehabilitating football pitches in underserved areas, aiming to promote the sport and provide safe spaces for local youth. Previous renovation projects have been carried out in Malaga (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Cape Town (South Africa), Cheng San Seltar (Singapore), São Paulo (Brazil), Medellín (Colombia), and Guadalajara (Mexico), contributing to the revitalization of local communities and expanding access to the game.
