Students enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences (CAFYD) at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) participated in a keynote lecture organised as part of the course ‘High-Level Physical Planning and Training’, which was coordinated by the director of the degree programme, Carlos Lago.
Alejandro Fernández Saiz, a graduate of the university and currently head of the Strategy Office at Racing Santander, was responsible for explaining the club’s working methodology. With extensive experience within the organisation, Alejandro highlighted the importance of nurturing and developing young talent, as well as the club’s commitment to training its young players and the demanding planning of training sessions adapted to each category.
He also delved into the element that underpins the work of all the technical staff: data management using proprietary software developed by the club. With this tool, the club is able to monitor the training and competition loads of all categories. This tool allows the club to assess whether competitive demands and long-term physical development are being met, with the aim of preparing players for the first team.
Fernández emphasised that all this is always accompanied by the importance of caring for the player as a person, promoting the game and trying to ensure that the club helps players to become autonomous for adult life, as well as, of course, improving and optimising their skills as football players.
The event was a success, with almost 200 students in attendance. An interesting question and answer session took place, reflecting the club’s transparency and closeness to the university, strengthening the knowledge of future graduates.