LaLiga Academy Dubai Sees Major Changes in Leadership Team
New Technical Director and Head Coaches Onboarded
Dubai, UAE – September 19, 2024
LaLiga Academy Dubai is expanding! We’re excited to announce the appointment of a new Technical Director, a Girls’ Head Coach, two head coaches, and several other new staff members to ensure our young footballers receive the best training possible. Learn more about what each of our new appointees brings to the table and why they are the perfect fit for us:
Introducing Our New Technical Director – Javier Hernández Hervás
Javier Hernández has been shaping young footballers at LaLiga Academy Dubai for nearly a decade. As Head Coach, Javi has guided his students through numerous local and international tournament victories. His love for the game and passion for LaLiga’s football methodology have now led him to this prestigious role.
Originally from Madrid, Spain, Hernández brings a wealth of experience, having played in Real Madrid’s youth system and coached in both China and the UAE. When asked what sets LaLiga Academy Dubai apart, Hernández said:
LaLiga Academy offers an incredible football environment for players of all levels and abilities. Our methodology, combined with our exceptional coaching staff, is what truly differentiates us from other academies in the region. We’ve had great success in fostering players’ love of the game through enjoyable training sessions. Many athletes have achieved their football dreams, whether continuing their development with local clubs or securing spots on UAE national youth teams. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the smiles on players’ faces when they reach their goals.
– Javier Hernández Hervás, Technical Director of LaLiga Academy Dubai
Now in his eighth season in Dubai, Javier Hernández has made LaLiga Academy his second home and will continue to nurture excellence both on and off the pitch for tomorrow’s young football stars.
Head Coach Gabriel Rojas
Gabriel Rojas exemplifies excellence both on and off the field. As the Head Coach at our new location, Police Academy Park in Al Sufouh, Gabriel brings immense knowledge and passion, cultivated over a long and distinguished career.
Police Academy Park in Al Sufouh is LaLiga Academy Dubai’s newest facility, where we offer Development and Advanced level training for young footballers. Our mission this season is to make football more accessible to children in the region through the LaLiga methodology. Opening this new location is the first step toward that goal, and Rojas is entrusted with carrying out this mission.
Originally from Madrid, Gabriel holds prestigious qualifications, including degrees in Sports Science and High-Performance Team Sports. He has honed his skills at Atlético Madrid’s youth setup and various clubs across Spain.
Our new location has opened the door for more children to fulfill their dreams of pursuing professional football. We want to make the LaLiga methodology accessible to everyone, and I’m proud to be part of the team driving this mission.
– Gabriel Rojas, Head Coach at LaLiga Academy Dubai – Police Academy Park
Gabriel’s dedication to the holistic development of his players is clear. While memorable tournament performances stand out, he is most inspired by the collaborative spirit within LaLiga Academy—”the capacity to work and the atmosphere among colleagues.” Now, leading in Dubai, Gabriel is committed to cultivating excellence through personalized coaching and a human touch, guiding countless future stars toward their fullest potential.
Girls’ Head Coach – Dafne Martínez
Dafne Martínez has had a remarkable impact during her decade-long career in football. As the Girls’ Head Coach at LaLiga Academy Dubai, she draws upon a wealth of experience in developing young talent. Here’s what Dafne has to say about our prestigious academy:
LaLiga Academy provides an outstanding training environment for players aiming to improve and develop their game at an international level. With Spanish coaches implementing the renowned LaLiga methodology at world-class facilities, our athletes are challenged and able to enhance their skills. It was incredibly rewarding last year to witness the excitement when our LaLiga Academy Madrid Women’s Team defeated top clubs like Barcelona, Villarreal, and Valencia, ultimately winning the Catalonia tournament against Valencia. I’m thrilled to guide my girls’ team here in Dubai to similar achievements.
– Dafne Martínez, Girls’ Head Coach of LaLiga Academy Dubai
Originally from Madrid, Dafne is a UEFA-qualified coach who worked her way up through the ranks in Spain, starting at CD Unión Valdebernardo before joining Rayo Vallecano and coaching youth national teams in Madrid. Now in Dubai, she is sharing her extensive knowledge and passion with the next generation of talented young female footballers.
Head Coach José Luis Soto
Head Coach José Luis Soto has found a second home at LaLiga Academy Dubai. Hailing from Bollullos del Condado in Spain’s Huelva province, this experienced coach brings global expertise to his role. Soto began his career with his hometown club, Bollullos FC, before expanding his repertoire in China and spending three seasons in the UAE.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and advanced football coaching and analysis certifications, Soto is well-equipped to offer well-rounded knowledge. When asked what makes LaLiga Academy stand out, he said:
We have an outstanding training methodology and top-level facilities that allow players to fully develop their skills. It feels like family here, with such a dedicated team of coaches and staff, hard-working youth, and supportive parents.
– José Luis Soto, Head Coach of LaLiga Academy Dubai
Soto is fluent in Spanish, English, Chinese, and Catalan, enabling him to connect with students from various backgrounds. His impact on student-athletes is sure to extend well beyond their time at LaLiga Academy Dubai.
Conclusion
Whether it’s Dafne, Gabriel, or Javier, the entire LaLiga team is committed to elevating football coaching to new heights. At LaLiga Academy, we focus on bringing out the best in our players, and our new coaches are aligned with this vision. Under their guidance, our young football enthusiasts are set to shine on the pitch. Don’t wait! Help your child pursue their football dreams. Book a free trial worth 120 AED today and experience how we implement the LaLiga methodology from day one. No commitments—join us now!
