Program Directed by
Patrick Noyes
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Barcelona
Inside the Business of Sport
Travel to Barcelona this summer and gain insights into the business of sport and the modern media landscape. Work with seasoned professionals and learn about career paths and professional opportunities in this exciting field. Take daily classes in sports management and sports business, visit FC Barcelona’s Ciudad Deportiva during the ongoing renovations of Camp Nou, attend professional sports matches, and delve into the worlds of sponsorship and brand management.
Students on this program may optionally extend their time in Spain with a weeklong soccer training program in the seaside town of Salou. See the program itinerary below for more information.
- Highlights
• Take daily classes at the renowned Johan Cruyff Institute
• See FC Barcelona’s renovation-in-progress of Camp Nou stadium
• Train with one of Catalonia’s iconic human tower troupes
• Explore the small beaches and hidden coves of the Costa Brava
• See FC Barcelona’s renovation-in-progress of Camp Nou stadium
• Train with one of Catalonia’s iconic human tower troupes
• Explore the small beaches and hidden coves of the Costa Brava
“The program exceeded my child’s expectations in all respects. Interaction with other students was exceptional; instructors were great about making sure students were a cohesive group; and excursions to various places provided wonderful experiences.”
—Stephen & Melanie M., Hewlett, NY
Featured
Expert
An Expert joins each Career program for a portion of the itinerary, lending their insights and perspectives to the experience.
Lukas holds a master’s degree in cultural studies from the Comenius University in Bratislava, as well as master’s degrees in sports management, marketing, and sponsorship and football business at the Johan Cruyff Institute. He is currently pursuing a...
Lukas holds a master’s degree in cultural studies from the Comenius University in Bratislava, as well...
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Barcelona, Spain. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
The Johan Cruyff Institute — 14 days
Participate in active and engaging daily classes in sports management and marketing and get a true feel for what shape your career in sports might take. Taught in English by seasoned professionals, dynamic lessons give you critical insights into the business of sport and the impact of the modern media landscape. Begin with an overview of the field, dive into strategy and skills management, and then tackle the practical aspects of sport marketing, sponsorship, and financial management. Focus on a topic that interests you—learn about the La Masia “farmhouse” system that discovered and developed Gerard Piqué and Lionel Messi, or interview a referee for a unique perspective on athleticism, sportsmanship, and competition. Meet with special invited guests—coaches, athletes, scouts, agents, and others—who give real-life context to all you learn and are eager to share their experiences.
Afternoons & Evenings
After morning classes at the Institute, get outside for field visits to stadiums, clubs, and other sporting venues, ranging from rooftop tennis courts to skate parks to Olympic facilities. Learn the rules of uniquely Spanish sports, such as the Basque pelota (precursor to Jai Alai), or participate in a practice session for Barcelona’s premier castellers (human tower) team. Make visits to other must-see Barcelona sites, such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral or the baroque wonders of Park Güell.
Excursions Outside of Barcelona
Our location in Barcelona allows for easy access to places and events outside the city. Take trips to regional sports tournaments and go hiking in Collserola National Park or among the jutting, finger-like spires of the Montserrat mountain range. Snorkel, wakeboard, or play beach volleyball on a day trip to a fishing village on the Costa Brava.
Program Culmination
Cap your program with a day of sharing the final outcome of your guided small group project and the presentation of academic certificates, then enjoy a final celebratory dinner with some of your favorite instructors and invited guests.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Barcelona, Spain, to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Optional Soccer Training Extension — 7 days
At the conclusion of the main program, students who choose the optional soccer training extension travel south via private bus to the seaside village of Salou. Along with leaders, stay in a resort hotel and participate in twice-daily training sessions and occasional scrimmages at one of Spain’s premiere private sports complexes. In addition to soccer training and instruction in the “Cruyff Method” of soccer strategy, spend evenings eating out and then relaxing on the beach or around the pool. Enjoy half-day trips to the nearby city of Tarragona, fourth-oldest city in Spain, and PortAventura, the country’s largest theme park. Return from Barcelona to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination.
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Barcelona, Spain. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
The Johan Cruyff Institute — 14 days
Participate in active and engaging daily classes in sports management and marketing and get a true feel for what shape your career in sports might take. Taught in English by seasoned professionals, dynamic lessons give you critical insights into the business of sport and the impact of the modern media landscape. Begin with an overview of the field, dive into strategy and skills management, and then tackle the practical aspects of sport marketing, sponsorship, and financial management. Focus on a topic that interests you—learn about the La Masia “farmhouse” system that discovered and developed Gerard Piqué and Lionel Messi, or interview a referee for a unique perspective on athleticism, sportsmanship, and competition. Meet with special invited guests—coaches, athletes, scouts, agents, and others—who give real-life context to all you learn and are eager to share their experiences.
Afternoons & Evenings
After morning classes at the Institute, get outside for field visits to stadiums, clubs, and other sporting venues, ranging from rooftop tennis courts to skate parks to Olympic facilities. Learn the rules of uniquely Spanish sports, such as the Basque pelota (precursor to Jai Alai), or participate in a practice session for Barcelona’s premier castellers (human tower) team. Make visits to other must-see Barcelona sites, such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral or the baroque wonders of Park Güell.
Excursions Outside of Barcelona
Our location in Barcelona allows for easy access to places and events outside the city. Take trips to regional sports tournaments and go hiking in Collserola National Park or among the jutting, finger-like spires of the Montserrat mountain range. Snorkel, wakeboard, or play beach volleyball on a day trip to a fishing village on the Costa Brava.
Program Culmination
Cap your program with a day of sharing the final outcome of your guided small group project and the presentation of academic certificates, then enjoy a final celebratory dinner with some of your favorite instructors and invited guests.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Barcelona, Spain, to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Optional Soccer Training Extension — 7 days
At the conclusion of the main program, students who choose the optional soccer training extension travel south via private bus to the seaside village of Salou. Along with leaders, stay in a resort hotel and participate in twice-daily training sessions and occasional scrimmages at one of Spain’s premiere private sports complexes. In addition to soccer training and instruction in the “Cruyff Method” of soccer strategy, spend evenings eating out and then relaxing on the beach or around the pool. Enjoy half-day trips to the nearby city of Tarragona, fourth-oldest city in Spain, and PortAventura, the country’s largest theme park. Return from Barcelona to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Program Theme
Sports Business • This program focuses on the world of sports business in collaboration with The Johan Cruyff Institute. The Institute, with five campuses worldwide and over 9,000 alumni, provides graduate-level studies in sports management, sport marketing and sponsorship, the business of soccer, and coaching. This Putney program is a pioneering collaboration, bringing the Institute’s deep experience and extensive contacts to high school students for the first time. Putney Student Travel participants delve in their workshop to get an inside look at careers in the field of sports, a global perspective on the sports market, and earn a certificate of studies from the Institute.
Language Practice
Proficiency in Spanish is not required. However, students who study Spanish in school will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. Students who don’t speak Spanish have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
Small Group Project
In addition to the topics explored during daily seminars and workshops, students pursue a guided small group project related to the world of sport and sports marketing. Design a marketing campaign or create a sponsorship portfolio for an aspiring regional soccer club. Investigate the changes brought about by streaming media, or hone scouting skills used to identify young talents and cultivate their star potential.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, you enjoy the world of sport and its environs, and that you are excited about trying a wide variety of activities, ranging from hiking in the nearby Sierra de Collserola National Park to learning the basics of handball or Basque pelota.
Accommodations
Our home in Barcelona is a university residence located in the tree-lined Pedralbes neighborhood near to both FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou and the slopes of Tibidabo mountain, with views of the entire city and Mediterranean beyond. Accommodations here are dormitory-style, with air-conditioned double rooms and ensuite bathrooms. We have access to common space and classrooms for community gatherings and seminars, although the majority of our meetings are at the Johan Cruyff Institute, a short walk away. Leaders reside in the same hall with students throughout the program.
Meals
Breakfast, as well as some lunches and dinners are provided at the university residence. Other meals are eaten at restaurants throughout the city or picnic-style, depending on the day’s activities.
Optional Weeklong Soccer Training Extension
This program offers an optional program extension for additional tuition cost. This week of daily soccer training sessions is co-ed and designed for students who have previous soccer-playing experience, although you do not need to be a varsity-level starting player to participate. During our time in the town of Salou with Cruyff Football, we stay in double and triple rooms at a nearby resort with a large pool and gym facilities, eating breakfast and lunch there each day and eating dinner out in restaurants.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Program Theme
Sports Business • This program focuses on the world of sports business in collaboration with The Johan Cruyff Institute. The Institute, with five campuses worldwide and over 9,000 alumni, provides graduate-level studies in sports management, sport marketing and sponsorship, the business of soccer, and coaching. This Putney program is a pioneering collaboration, bringing the Institute’s deep experience and extensive contacts to high school students for the first time. Putney Student Travel participants delve in their workshop to get an inside look at careers in the field of sports, a global perspective on the sports market, and earn a certificate of studies from the Institute.
Language Practice
Proficiency in Spanish is not required. However, students who study Spanish in school will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. Students who don’t speak Spanish have the opportunity to learn some basic language skills.
Small Group Project
In addition to the topics explored during daily seminars and workshops, students pursue a guided small group project related to the world of sport and sports marketing. Design a marketing campaign or create a sponsorship portfolio for an aspiring regional soccer club. Investigate the changes brought about by streaming media, or hone scouting skills used to identify young talents and cultivate their star potential.
Technology
To encourage full engagement and immersion in the Putney travel experience, we limit the use of cell phones and other devices on our High School programs. Students are allowed to use their phones in transit to the program, and keep their devices throughout. During in-country orientation, leaders will lock phones with a code, unlocking them for the second half of the program. During the tech-free portion of the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, you enjoy the world of sport and its environs, and that you are excited about trying a wide variety of activities, ranging from hiking in the nearby Sierra de Collserola National Park to learning the basics of handball or Basque pelota.
Accommodations
Our home in Barcelona is a university residence located in the tree-lined Pedralbes neighborhood near to both FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou and the slopes of Tibidabo mountain, with views of the entire city and Mediterranean beyond. Accommodations here are dormitory-style, with air-conditioned double rooms and ensuite bathrooms. We have access to common space and classrooms for community gatherings and seminars, although the majority of our meetings are at the Johan Cruyff Institute, a short walk away. Leaders reside in the same hall with students throughout the program.
Meals
Breakfast, as well as some lunches and dinners are provided at the university residence. Other meals are eaten at restaurants throughout the city or picnic-style, depending on the day’s activities.
Optional Weeklong Soccer Training Extension
This program offers an optional program extension for additional tuition cost. This week of daily soccer training sessions is co-ed and designed for students who have previous soccer-playing experience, although you do not need to be a varsity-level starting player to participate. During our time in the town of Salou with Cruyff Football, we stay in double and triple rooms at a nearby resort with a large pool and gym facilities, eating breakfast and lunch there each day and eating dinner out in restaurants.
A Day in the Life: Barcelona
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Barcelona.
- Morning
9:00am
Eat a hearty breakfast on campus with your group
10:00am
Meet with an Olympic medalist at the Johan Cruyff Institute
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Simulate an interclub bargaining session to learn the intricacies of the transfer of FIFA players
2:00pm
Eat lunch at a local restaurant, then take the metro to the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill
4:00pm
Learn from a semi-professional basketball player about the impacts of the ‘92 Olympic games on the city
- Evening
6:00pm
Take a cable car ride to Barceloneta Beach for an afternoon of swimming and volleyball
8:00pm
Sample tapas at a harborside restaurant
10:00pm
Together with your group, walk through the Gothic Quarter and catch a railcar to your residence
A Day in the Life:
Barcelona
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Barcelona.
- Morning
9:00am
Eat a hearty breakfast on campus with your group
10:00am
Meet with an Olympic medalist at the Johan Cruyff Institute
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Simulate an interclub bargaining session to learn the intricacies of the transfer of FIFA players
2:00pm
Eat lunch at a local restaurant, then take the metro to the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill
4:00pm
Learn from a semi-professional basketball player about the impacts of the ‘92 Olympic games on the city
- Evening
6:00pm
Take a cable car ride to Barceloneta Beach for an afternoon of swimming and volleyball
8:00pm
Sample tapas at a harborside restaurant
10:00pm
Together with your group, walk through the Gothic Quarter and catch a railcar to your residence
“Kennedy had a great time! The night before leaving she said I can’t believe this was my last day! Every message to us was about the positive bond she was making, what she was seeing and doing.”
—Mason & Mark S., Los Angeles, CA
Program Directed by
Patrick Noyes
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
