Frequently asked questions
Who is Ritmo for?
Ritmo is ideal for young people aged 11-15 who:
- Love football and enjoy playing regularly
- Are curious about other cultures and languages
- Want to build confidence and independence
- Enjoy making new friends and trying new experiences
No previous Spanish fluency is required.
Why did you choose Valencia?
Valencia offers the perfect combination of football culture, beautiful beaches, safety, excellent sports facilities and authentic Spanish life. It is more relaxed and affordable than Barcelona or Madrid, while remaining vibrant, welcoming and easy to reach from the UK.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes:
- Spanish-style football coaching
- Shared lunch and social time
- Conversational Spanish and cultural activities
- Team challenges and immersive experiences
Students then enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening independently.
What makes Ritmo different from other football camps?
Ritmo isn't simply about football.
It's about helping young people become:
- More confident
- More resilient
- More independent
- More socially confident
- More internationally minded
Football, Spanish and cultural immersion are the tools that help make this transformation happen naturally.
Who are the coaches and tutors?
Our football coaches are qualified Spanish coaches with recognised coaching certifications, safeguarding checks and first aid training.
Our tutors are native Spanish speakers experienced in teaching young learners through engaging, conversational activities.
How big are the groups?
Small groups are a core part of the Ritmo experience.
We intentionally keep cohorts between 8-12 so that every child:
- Receives individual attention
- Builds strong friendships
- Gains confidence quickly
- Feels safe and supported
How do you make sure children are matched appropriately?
We carefully curate each cohort based on:
- Age
- Football experience
- Personality and interests
- Confidence levels
- Previous exposure to Spanish
Our goal is to create groups where young people feel comfortable, challenged and included
Is Ritmo Academy safe?
Yes. Safeguarding is our highest priority.
We have:
- Qualified and vetted staff
- Safeguarding policies and procedures
- Risk assessments for all activities
- Emergency protocols
- Ongoing communication with parents throughout the programme
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Can schools participate?
Yes.
Ritmo is exploring partnerships with schools where a small group of students can participate together. Schools may help identify interested students and, in some cases, teachers may accompany the group.
What benefits will my child gain from Ritmo?
Children leave Ritmo with much more than improved football skills or Spanish vocabulary.
They develop:
- Confidence
- Independence
- Resilience
- New friendships
- Cultural understanding
- Communication skills
- A broader view of the world
What kind of activities take place outside football and Spanish?
The week may include:
- Beach football
- Cultural challenges
- Food experiences
- Stadium visits
- Local excursions
- Team games
- Conversations with Spanish coaches and young people
- Reflection and celebration activities
Why is the programme called Ritmo?
Ritmo means rhythm in Spanish.
Rhythm is at the heart of Spanish football — movement, timing and teamwork. It is also central to language learning — listening, speaking and connecting with others.
Most importantly, Ritmo represents a different rhythm of life: one built on confidence, curiosity, friendship and meaningful experiences.
Who founded Ritmo Academy?
Ritmo was founded by Dan Lehner a Cambridge University languages graduate, , youth football coach and father of two football-loving boys.
The idea grew from a belief that some of the most important lessons in life are learned not in classrooms, but through sport, travel, friendship and cultural immersion.
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