Young Napier footballer Oscar Kelly eyes trip to Barcelona

Oscar Kelly has been invited to a football clinic in Spain. Photo / Supplied

A young Napier footballer, Oscar Kelly, is hoping to head to Barcelona at the end of this year to attend a football clinic.

Barca Academy is an organisation that runs football development camps all around the globe, and is affiliated with world-famous club FC Barcelona.

Barca Academy is different from FC Barcelona’s prestigious youth academy La Masia, which has produced superstars including Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Barca Academy held week-long football camps in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in January, with more than 300 children (aged 6-17) signing up and taking part.

Oscar, 7, who plays junior football for Eskview FC, attended the Wellington camp.

Oscar’s dad, Gareth Kelly, said his son loved the sport, and his football went everywhere with him.

They received a letter about 10 days after the Wellington camp, inviting Oscar to a Barca Academy camp in Spain, as part of a select group of players from the New Zealand and Australia camps.

“The opportunity [is to attend] a 10-day clinic in Spain at FC Barcelona’s training ground.

“They get the opportunity to train under their top coaches and go to a Barcelona game as well.

“Then there is also the cultural experience of being in Barcelona.”

The family has to cover the costs, including about $12,500 to attend the 10-day clinic in December, Kelly said.

To that end, they have started a Givealittle page, and estimate the cost will be more than $30,000 for Oscar and his dad.

Kelly said his son was excited to be offered the opportunity “to learn, grow and experience the game at the highest level”.

Football New Zealand told RNZ last year it was important to note that academies, such as Barca Academy, were also businesses, as well as player development.

Barca Academy has been contacted about how many New Zealand players have been invited to the camp in Barcelona.