FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.11.2009 21:35

Laporta proud of the club's youngsters

Jaume Marcet

President Joan Laporta stressed the importance of the values the club's youth teams represent the “excellent image they project of this club”, during the annual photo session for all the academy teams.

From the very youngest players to the Barca Athletic team and including the four women's teams, the club's 17 youth and children's teams posed for the official 2009-10 photo session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Directors and executives present

As well as the players and their coaches, President Laporta and Sporting Vice-president Rafael Yuste, Barça Atlètic President Jacint Borràs, Txiki Begiristain, academy teams director José Ramon Alexanko and football director Raúl Sanllehí were also present for the photo session.

Speeches from Laporta and Àlex Corredera

Infantil A midfielder Àlex Corredera spoke on behalf of all the young players and stressed: “the pride which is involved in wearing the Barca shirt, for all that it implies not just in the sporting arena, but for the whole of our country”.

Joan Laporta defined the youth team structure as: “teh expression of our footballing identity - a set of young players who serve as a reference point for the whole of the footballing world”. Speaking directly to the young players, Laporta reminded them of the importance of their behaviour: “we are proud of you because you give a great image of the club – you are an example to us all”.