The continued success of the VCF Academy program has spread the Valencia CF methodology worldwide and had a big impact on participants. One such person involved is Mauricio Mata, Director of the VCF Academy in Houston, whose passion has led to him getting the VCF DNA logo tattooed on his arm.

The VCF Academy in the Texan city of Katy was inaugurated in February 2020, and Houston has celebrated Valencia CF day on May 31st since 2012.

“The love I have for Valencia CF is reflected in my skin. They have given us a great opportunity to be part of Valencia CF and we just have to experience it and enjoy it," says Mata, who also proudly displays the club colours on his truck.

The academy he runs currently has more than 150 players from Under-7s to Under-17s level, obtaining great results such as the 2013 and 2015 wins in the Memorial Cup.

The VCF Academy in Houston - one of four that Valencia CF has in the US, along with New York, Chicago and Seattle - will be present at the III VCF Academy World Cup, having already participated in the two previous editions.

“We feel that Valencia CF is our home and we are happy to return and for our kids to have this great experience of the VCF Academy World Cup,” says Mata.

The VCF Academy that Valencia CF has in strategic markets in America, Asia and Europe are part of the VCF Academy Programs, which help to expand the Valencia CF brand and what its colors symbolize worldwide. This Internationalization Strategy has been a finalist in the World Football Summit Awards 2023.

In 2023, more than 5,000 players and 400 coaches from over 50 countries around the world participated in the various VCF Academy Programs to learn more about the VCF Academy's playing methodology and become part of the Valencianista family.

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