Athletic Bilbao is one of the oldest clubs in Spain, established when the English brought football to the Peninsula in the late 19th Century. A strong first division team in ‘La Liga’, Athletic Bilbao is only one of nine teams to win the championship title since it was first established in 1928.
The club is particular in Europe as it is one of the few major clubs to bring young local talent through the ranks via its Academy or 'Cantera'. Basques are proud of their distinct identity and Athletic Bilbao aims to hold the same values.
Playing in their distinctive red and striped shirts, Athletic have won 8 league titles and have 25 domestic Cup victories.
Aside from its professional team track history, Athletic Bilbao is reputed for its Youth Academy. Spain has consistently produced some of the world’s best footballers and La Liga is one of the most skilled leagues in the world. Athletic has had its part to play in Spain’s success, putting youth talent at the forefront of its aims and objectives as a club.
The club have a policy of only signing Basque players which exists to this day; this severely limits the talent pool from which the team can draw. This self-imposed restriction exists as an expression of Basque pride and a belief that they can win with just the "local boys".
Their stadium is the San Mamés, also known as La Catedral ("the cathedral"), which seats 40,000 spectators.
People to Watch: Etxeberria Aritz Aduriz Pablo Orbaiz Fernando Llorente
Academy:
Dedicated facilities at Lezama consist of 5 grass pitches, one artificial pitch and a covered pavilion with gym, medical centre and residencies for the Academy’s numerous teams.
So serious are Athletic Bilbao about their reputation in youth talent, they have established a network of ‘mini Lezamas’ across the province. Hundreds of school children have the opportunity to benefit from Athletic's youth experts.
Female Soccer: Competing in the Superliga, Athletic Bilbao's ladies team is one of the most successful Spanish and European women's football squads.
In 2003, led by team captain, Inigo Juaristi, Athletic Club took the championship title against the hitherto invincible Levante team. The women's team took the title again last season, consolidating their reputation as one of the top 3 Spanish ladies' teams. Athletic Bilbao Ladies took the league title once again last season.
After conquering the Superliga, in 2003 the team played in the UEFA Women's Cup but were eliminated in San Mames by FFC Frankfurt.
In 2004, Bilbao consolidated their reign in the Superliga and competed once again in the UEFA cup.
Athletic Club is probably one of the most instrumental squads in developing young, female Spanish talent.
Transport Access : Athletic Club Bilbao and inspiresport accommodation is only minutes away from Bilbao's airport. Flights are direct from the UK.
Bilbao is less than a hour's flight from Madrid.
Out and About: The commercial capital of the Basque Country (or Euskadi, as is its official, Basque name), Bilbao has a unique history and cultural identity that has led it to become one of the strongest, most successful autonomous regions of Spain.
Basque people are proud of their culture, their language and their history and are keen to show it off to visitors: Basques are arguably among the most welcoming and friendly people of Spain. Under-rated as a destination city for many years, Bilbao has recently enjoyed a cultural revival once the dazzling, titanium covered Guggenheim Museum was opened in 1997. Since then the city underwent a total regeneration after its industrial era. The city centre is compact and easily accessible using Norman Foster’s sleek underground network. There are many beautiful gothic buildings and churches including the Catedral de Santiago, Bilbao’s earliest chapel.
The Basque country is famed for its culinary tradition and its regional cuisine is amongst the best in Spain. Bilbao is also a hotbed for new musical talent with a strong live band scene influencing the vibe of the city.
Beyond Bilbao lies a lush green landscape with rugged coastline and attractive towns such as the Basque capital, Vitoria.
