LaLiga Santander: after Baghdad, RCD Espanyol opens two new academies in Iraq, in Mosul and Basra

RCD Espanyol (LaLiga Santander) is opening two new academies in Iraq, in Mosul and Basra, and now has three in the country, including one in Baghdad, opened in 2018, with the aim of "generating synergies," announced the Spanish club on 22/07/2022.

"After the success of the Baghdad academy and subsequent expansion, Espanyol continue to consolidate their presence in the Asian country. Espanyol, through the club's academies, seek to leave a mark in all those territories in which they are present. Sport, and especially football, is capable of breaking all existing barriers, as demonstrated in each and every one of the RCDE Academies," explained the club.

The club, which hopes to "continue to grow in numbers and quality", has 621 players and 30 local coaches, including Miguel Mateo, a qualified RCD Espanyol & UEFA Pro coach (professional licence issued by UEFA).

• RCD Espanyol has been owned by Rastar Group, a Chinese company specialised in the manufacture of remote-controlled and model cars, since November 2015.
• RCD Espanyol is present in nine countries outside Spain:
  • Algeria (2…