Johan Cruyff Institute and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) have signed a strategic agreement aimed at facilitating access to academic education for Major League Soccer players, promoting their development beyond the pitch. Through this alliance, footballers and association staff will be able to access special discounts, exclusive scholarships, free educational programs, and networking and professional development opportunities.
This collaboration focuses on fostering education and talent development within the professional football landscape in the United States. Currently, the MLSPA represents more than 800 active players from the league’s 29 teams, safeguarding their rights and well-being both on and off the field.
With over 25 years of experience in sports management education, Johan Cruyff Institute will provide training and resources tailored to the needs of players and staff within the MLSPA network. The program includes scholarships and specialized courses designed to prepare future sports leaders, covering areas such as sport management, marketing and sponsorship, and facility management, always with a practical, innovative, and leadership-focused approach.
“The MLSPA is proud to partner with Johan Cruyff Institute to give players the opportunity to transform their passion for football into education and prepare for a career after retirement,” said Kevin Garcia, former professional player and current Player Relations Manager at the MLSPA.
Empowering MLS players through education and career transition support
In addition to discounts on master’s and postgraduate diploma programs, players and staff from MLSPA will also have access to two free MOOC programs developed in collaboration with prestigious institutions. One of them, focused on sports sponsorship, was created in partnership with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; the other, dedicated to the eSports industry, was developed in collaboration with Mediapro, LVP, and UBEATS.
Albert Romans, General Manager of Johan Cruyff Institute, emphasized the value of this alliance: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to the personal and professional development of athletes. Supporting players in their transition to a post-playing career is an essential part of our mission as an educational institution.”
With this agreement, Johan Cruyff Institute and the MLS Players Association reinforce their commitment to academic education, talent development, and the comprehensive preparation of players for their future beyond professional football.