Villarreal Houston Academy players earn spots in Spain youth tournaments

By AI, Created 3:01 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – Six Villarreal Houston Academy players will represent Villarreal CF in international youth tournaments across Spain this June. The selections highlight the academy’s development pipeline and give the players a chance to compete against top global opposition.

Why it matters: - The selections put Villarreal Houston Academy players on an international stage with Villarreal CF. - The trips give the players exposure to elite competition, different styles of play and higher tactical demands. - The academy is using the call-ups as proof that its development pathway can produce players for top-level events.

What happened: - Villarreal Houston Academy announced that six players will represent Villarreal CF in three youth tournaments in Spain this June. - Alex Gonzales will play in the 2010 age group at the Gijón ESEI Cup in Asturias, Spain, from June 22-24, 2026. - Kalel Coronel, Jonathan Gonzales and Vicente Calix will compete in the 2012 age group at the Salou ESEI Cup in Salou, Spain, from June 21-24, 2026. - Jace Manila and Ezequiel Abuawad will play in the 2014 age group at the Mallorca International Football Cup in Mallorca, Spain, from June 19-24, 2026.

The details: - The players were identified and selected through Villarreal CF’s international scouting and development network. - Each player will compete under the Villarreal CF badge alongside youth players from the U.S. and other countries. - The academy said the selections reflect months and often years of dedication, commitment, development and performance. - Villarreal Houston Academy leadership said the goal is to create meaningful development opportunities for players in Northeast Houston. - Leadership also said the international selections validate the work of players, families and coaches throughout the year. - Villarreal Houston Academy is also recruiting players for its Performance Teams for the upcoming season. - The academy is accepting tryout requests at Register for tryouts.

Between the lines: - The call-ups suggest Villarreal Houston Academy is becoming a stronger pipeline into Villarreal CF’s broader youth system. - The tournaments also serve as a development and evaluation tool, not just a short-term competition opportunity. - The academy is framing the international experience as both a reward for current players and an example for younger athletes in the program.

What’s next: - The selected players will travel to Spain this month for their tournaments. - Villarreal Houston Academy will continue using international opportunities as part of its long-term development model. - The academy is likely to use the selections to attract new players to its Performance Teams ahead of the upcoming season.