Both institutions have signed a collaboration agreement to offer this pioneering program in Spain. The course will follow a blended online format, including in-person sessions and company visits
Johan Cruyff Institute and Escola Pia de Catalunya have signed a collaboration agreement to offer a new Higher vocational training program in Administration and Finance with a focus on Sports Management—the only program of its kind in the country.
This strategic alliance combines Escola Pia’s expertise in vocational training with the international track record of Johan Cruyff Institute in the field of sports management. The result is an innovative program designed for individuals passionate about sports who want to acquire the technical and strategic skills needed to lead sports organizations.
Carlos Ruiz, Director of Escola Pia Online (on the left) and Albert Romans, General Manager of Johan Cruyff Institute (on the right)
A real-world curriculum for tomorrow’s sports industry leaders
Structured as a flexible and dynamic blended online program, it includes in-person sessions and company visits. The curriculum combines core principles of administration and finance with specialized content in sports management, including sports marketing, fan engagement, sponsorship, event organization, and sports leadership, among others. The program is designed to offer rigorous, practical learning that can be applied from day one.
The new Advanced Vocational Training Program in Administration and Finance focused on Sports Management will begin in September 2025. It will include visits and hands-on workshops at some of the most prominent sports institutions in Catalonia.
Albert Romans, General Manager of Johan Cruyff Institute, emphasized the importance of this alliance: “This agreement represents a unique opportunity to bring sports management closer to younger generations from the foundation of their education. We firmly believe that sports require well-prepared professionals at all levels, and this new training program is an excellent entry point to begin a career in this exciting sector. We share with Escola Pia the vision of transformative education, connected to the real world and to the values of sport.”
Carlos Ruiz, Director of Escola Pia Online, stated that this new program “responds to the emerging demands of the job market related to sports management.” He also noted that “the growing trend of online learning in vocational education has been a key factor in shaping this training offer.”
In order to provide information to interested students, Johan Cruyff Institute and Escola Pia Online will offer a webinar on Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. The session will feature Víctor Jordán, Academic Director of Johan Cruyff Institute; Carlos Guillén, Director of Escola Pia Online; and Manel Real, Director of Vocational Training at Escola Pia de Catalunya.
During the session, attendees will learn about the program in detail, including its structure and hybrid methodology. In addition, the admission process, training pathways, and career opportunities will be explained. Registration for the online session is already open at this link.
