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The partnership aims to support the academic education and professional development of athletes, coaches, and club staff across the League1 Canada ecosystem in Ontario and British Columbia.

Barcelona, ES – (Apr 25, 2025) – Johan Cruyff Institute and League1 Canada have renewed their commitment to education and the professionalization of the sports ecosystem by announcing the second edition of their joint scholarship program, aimed at players, coaches, and technical and administrative staff of clubs in Ontario and British Columbia.

The program, which will open its call for applications on April 25, 2025, will once again offer full and partial scholarships to study academic programs at Johan Cruyff Institute during the 2025- 2026 academic year, including on-campus and online master’s degrees, specialized diplomas, and short courses focused on sport and professional football management. The initiative builds on the success of its first edition, held during the 2024-2025 academic year, in which several people from the League1 Canada environment accessed high-level training.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the program is significantly expanding, offering over 200 scholarships for master’s studies, diplomas, short courses, and introductory training programs in sport management, marketing, sponsorship, football, and leadership.

Cristina Pales, Marketing Director of Johan Cruyff Institute, said: “This is a strong commitment to bringing high-quality education closer to those transforming sport from the grassroots level.”

A partnership based on shared values

Johan Cruyff Institute brings to this alliance over 25 years of experience in educating sports professionals, with academic programs specifically designed for athletes and individuals developing their careers in the sports sector.

League1 Canada, in turn, is a key platform in the Canadian football ecosystem, promoting emerging talent and offering competition and growth opportunities to hundreds of players each season.

Dino Rossi, President of League1 Canada, said: “We know athletic careers are short and preparing for the future is essential. That’s why we’re proud to offer this program alongside Johan Cruyff Institute – not only to support education, but to open doors to new career pathways.”

Scholarship Program Details

The program includes financial aid ranging from 10% to 100% of tuition fees for various academic programs. Key opportunities include:

● Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona (on-campus, Barcelona): – 1 full scholarship covering 100% of tuition (€20,910)

– 1 scholarship covering 50% of tuition

● Online master’s programs in Football Business and Sport Business:

– Scholarships covering 50% of tuition (€4,355 value)

● Online postgraduate and specialized diplomas:

– Scholarships covering 50% of tuition (valued between €1,605 and €2,365)

● Online short courses (3 and 6 ECTS) and Essentials in Football Business: – Scholarships covering 10% and 50% of tuition respectively

Recipients of full scholarships for master’s and diploma programs will only need to pay a €150 registration fee.

Eligibility and Selection Process

The call is open to individuals aged 18 and older who are players, coaches, or staff members of clubs affiliated with League1 Canada, and who are not receiving any other public or private financial aid for the same program. Applicants must complete an application form and submit their CV and a motivation letter.

The selection process will be conducted jointly by Johan Cruyff Institute and League1 Canada, with special consideration given to professional background, demonstrated interest in education, and future potential. The final list of selected candidates will be confirmed and communicated by Johan Cruyff Institute.

Key Dates

● Applications open: April 25, 2025

● Application deadline: June 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST

● Deadline to submit additional documentation: July 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM (Spain time)

A Commitment to the Future of Sport

With this second edition of the scholarship program, Johan Cruyff Institute and League1 Canada reinforce their commitment to the comprehensive development of sports talent—beyond the pitch. Training in management, leadership, sports marketing, and football business becomes a key tool in preparing the next generation of sports leaders.

Albert Romans, General Manager of Johan Cruyff Institute, said: “Johan always believed in the importance of preparing athletes for life after competition. This partnership reflects that vision, and it’s a source of pride to see it grow edition after edition.”

About Johan Cruyff Institute

Johan Cruyff Institute is a global business school inspired by Johan Cruyff’s leadership style and strategic vision, and a sector of the World of Johan Cruyff. Since it was founded in 1999, more than 10,000 students have gone through a Johan Cruyff Institute learning experience, which is built on the reciprocal transfer of knowledge and talent to benefit both companies and the sports industry in general.

About League1 Canada

League1 Canada is owned and managed by Canadian Soccer Business. Launched in March 2022 in partnership with BC Soccer, Ontario Soccer, and Soccer Québec, its goal is to unify, align, and elevate the sport of soccer at the Division III Pro-Am level from coast to coast. League1 Canada acts as the umbrella organisation for League1 Ontario, League1 BC, Ligue1 Québec, and League1 Alberta.

About Canadian Soccer Business

Canadian Soccer Business represents a suite of top-tier national assets that are central to the sport of soccer in Canada. This includes representation for all corporate partnerships and media rights (broadcast and distribution) related to Canada Soccer’s core assets including the Men’s National Team, the Olympic Champion Women’s National Team, the Canadian Championship, along with all rights associated with the Canadian Premier League and League1 Canada.

For more information, please contact:

Matt Bates
League1 Canada
communications@league1.ca