The ESS Residency Program is led by UEFA Pro licensed coach Didi Rodriguez, a former player of FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, and a former coach at La Liga club Girona FC.

The combination of his playing resume and more than 15 years of coaching provides ESS Residency players one of the top coaches in Spain to guide them through their experience.

Along with his on-field coaching, Didi holds weekly team video analysis sessions and provides a complete player analysis, including video, after the completion of the program.

Girona FC is widely regarded as one of the top academies in all of Spain, with several players having elevated to the 1st team of Girona FC, along with several National Team players. Some of the most decorated Spanish players in history have come from Girona FC. ESS´s close knit relationship with them creates an ideal environment for ESS players to develop.

Owned by the Manchester City group, the Girona FC first team played in the Champions League in 2024/2025 and have become one of the top La Liga clubs over the past few years.

During their 2 weeks at Girona FC, ESS Players train 2-3 times per week at night with their academy teams, a unique opportunity to train with an actual La Liga academy team and an authentic, unfiltered, and raw Spanish training experience.

ESS Players train 3 times per week in the morning with Girona FC coaches. The morning sessions allow the Girona FC staff to prepare the players for friendly matches as well as work on needed corrections observed in training.

ESS Residency players play a minimum of 7 international matches between friendly matches and MIC, with the possibility of more depending on tournament success MIC.

All matches are filmed in order to provide individual and team video analysis, and to provide parents the opportunity to see the matches.

ESS Players have 1 team video analysis per week and receive a highlight film from their matches in Spain after the program is complete.

• March 19 - Arrival to Barcelona / Transfer to Lloret de Mar

• March 19 - 23 - Pre-MIC Training Camp

• March 23 - 28 - MIC

• March 28 - Transfer to Girona

• March 28 - April 11 - Residency with Girona FC

• April 11 - Depart

• 8:30 - 9:30am - Breakfast

• 10:00 - 11:30am - Training with Girona FC coaches

• 12:00 - 1:00pm - Rest time

• 1:30 - 2:30pm - Lunch

• 3:00 - 5:00pm - Study Hall

• 6:30 - 8:30pm - Girona FC Academy Training

• 8:30 - 9:30pm - Dinner

• 10pm - Lights out

Before MIC, ESS Girona FC Residency players have an intensive 5-day training camp to prepare on of the top tournaments in Europe that includes the following:

• 5 Pre-MIC Training sessions

• 2 Pre-MIC matches

• 1 Pre-MIC video analysis

MIC Football is one of the most famous youth tournaments in Europe, with some of the world’s biggest clubs participating. In 2024 ESS Residency reached the quarterfinals and lost a close match to Villareal 1-0, and in 2025 defeated Atlético Madrid in the quarterfinal before falling in the semifinal to eventual champion Figueres.

After the intensive Pre-MIC preparation working with ESS Residency Director Didi Rodriguez and his staff, ESS Residency players get to test themselves against the very best in the world at MIC.

In Girona, players are housed at the Official Girona FC Residence, Les Hortes, located only 5 minutes walking distance from downtown.

Living in the official residence of a Champions League academy gives ESS Girona FC players the chance to live the life of a La Liga academy player.

Players have 24 hour surveillance and security in the residence and ESS Girona FC staff members living on site.

Insurance for all players is included and provided by InterMudial, a well renowned insurance provider in Spain. ESS Players are covered for medical and travel assistance including everything from problems with flights and luggage, to hospitalization for injuries or sickness, and medications. This provides security and stability in terms of the health and care of the players. ESS Staff manages any usage of the policy and claim process.

ESS staff, players and families use the 360 Player application to manage and execute the daily and weekly agendas.

Updated daily with information on trainings, matches, classes, meals, trips, tournaments, etc., 360 Player keeps the players on top of their schedules and allows parents to keep up to date on a daily basis in Spain.

didi@europeansoccersolutions.com

todd@europeansoccersolutions.com