FC Malaga City New York director Colin McComb revealed he is “excited” - ahead of his team's upcoming fixture against FC Malaga City U17s tomorrow afternoon.
Nicknamed ‘Los Lobos’ (The Wolves), #FCMC New York offers a full-time athletic and education programme for talented soccer players from middle-school to high school.
“The connection between ourselves and FC Malaga City Academy started back in 2018,” McComb said.
“We sent out a few of our players to play and train with the academy, and it all grew from there.
“George Jermy (FC Malaga City Academy Director) then came to visit our programme - and was really impressed with the talent we had, as well as the facilities on show and our philosophy.
“We have a number of players who have made the transition into FC Malaga City Academy - and are now progressing through the ranks in their U18s, U19s and senior teams.
“The two projects have grown and developed together - and we’re proud to be able to provide a direct link into European football for our players, who otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity.
McComb explained that FC Malaga City New York students have the opportunity to visit Spain on tour each year - for a full three-month football experience.
During the three-months, the team will be training full-time with the FC Malaga City Academy squads, whilst continuing their studies - and competing in number of showcase fixtures.
“Each year, we take our students from New York out to train, play and compete in Spain,” he added.
“We have a group of 20 players on tour. We will be here for three months, and have some really exciting plans lined up. “We have regular competition scheduled against local teams - so we are eager for the players to learn from these experiences and develop as both people and soccer players.
“For the players to be able to learn from UEFA licensed coaches, and to really get a first-hand feel for European football - is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
In the first game of their tour, Los Lobos are taking on FC Malaga City U17s in Nerja - which is available to stream LIVE around the world.
“We’re really excited to play FC Malaga City U17s,” said McComb,
“It will be a tough and interesting challenge - but one we are looking forward to and are definitely prepared for.
“There are a few players in the FC Malaga City U17s side that started out with us in New York - so it will be a bit of a reunion for both teams.
“The boys are really looking forward to the challenge. They look up to the graduates who are out in Spain, and see them on the next level - that they are aiming for.
“We want the players to test themselves at the highest level - and this is a great opportunity to do so.
“Our footballing philosophy is very similar to that of FC Malaga City Academy - so we are excited to see how the game pans out.”
To find out more about the FC Malaga City - New York programme, please click here.
