Meet The Team
Marc Reyes
FC Barcelona Technical Director
Marc was born and raised in Manresa, a city near Barcelona. He began playing football at the age of four and remembers his first gift as being a pair of football boots. His mom says that he did not take it off and even slept with it for three nights! He has dedicated his life to football, first as a player and then as a coach. He started coaching at the age of 16 in his hometown before joining FC Barcelona in 2014. Over the past 8 years he has coached in the Barcelona Academy, in local and international camps, and was the Assistant Project Director of the Barça Academy in the Dominican Republic. He has spent the last five years serving players and families at the Barcelona Academy in Singapore. He is also recently married.
“FC Barcelona and the Barça Academy project has made me the professional and person I am today. I feel fortunate to be a part of it, and I believe there is no better place to be for kids who want to enjoy the game, learn how to play, and learn the values of the sport. Now, more than ever, I am excited for what is to come, and I have the same energy I had the first day I wore the FCB t-shirt! Let’s enjoy this journey together!”
Albert Coromines
FC Barcelona Technical Director
Albert was born in Berga, beautiful small town near Barcelona. Football has always been a way of life for him, as he would play with friends and family wherever and whenever he could creating memories and friendships that last until now. His family members have often joked about how even when they hid the balls, he would find a way to play football at home with any other available object or just imagining it.
In 2015, he began his coaching career related with FC Barcelona and specially has gained extensive worldwide experience, starting in America, later spent two seasons in Dubai, followed by four seasons in China. Currently, he is in Singapore, working to make this current project bigger and better.
“I always felt happy and proud to be representing the club I always supported and love, trying to spread the values and methodology learnt wherever I am. I have lot of passion, I feel excited for the project and I am willing to meet you in the field so we can build together your football experience.”
Rajesh Nair
Partner & Business Development
Rajesh is a local Singaporean entrepreneur with a varied international career. He started as an aerospace engineer and moved to the corporate world before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey about 10 years ago. He has a track record of building businesses in many different sectors, from medical tech to e-commerce and sports. He is a father to 3- year- old twins and spent over 13 years in Spain.
“Sports and football in particular played a key role in my life. I now have two daughters and I hope that they are as passionate about sports as I am. I think that women’s football in particular is underdeveloped here in Singapore and the region. I want the Barca Academy to actively promote women’s football.”
Jordi Castello
Partner & Operations
Jordi is a serial entrepreneur from Barcelona, with a strong track record of founding and operating tech unicorns. He used to be part of FC Barcelona where he was charged with growing their online and digital business globally. He is father to 2 boys aged 9 and 11 who currently play at the Barca Academy. Football is in his DNA, having been a junior player in Barcelona School.
‘I think football is the most open sport in the world. Everyone can join, and anyplace can be the field. I love FCB values. Team work, ambition, effort and humility. Those values work to play football and what is more important work to have a successful life.’
Paul Santos
Partner & International Expansion
Paul Santos is Managing Partner of Wavemaker Partners, Southeast Asia’s go-to early-stage VC for enterprise and deep tech, with over US$180 million in assets under management (AUM) across three funds, and close to US$700 million in total exits. Paul is a football fanatic and an avid fan of Barca. He has a teenage son who plays football competitively.
“We have big plans for the new Barca Academy. We want it to grow into something much more than just a football academy. We want it be the foremost sports academy in South East Asia with a wide supporter base and footprint throughout the region. We are also planning to provide scholarships to talented players who may not normally be able to attend these types of premier academies in Singapore.”