Develop as an Athlete in Valencia
Common Ground offers flexible sport development pathways in Football, Basketball, and Tennis — supported by an international academic and cultural framework. Whether you are here for a season, a gap year, or a full degree, we build the programme around you.
Your Level. Your Timeline. Your Pathway.
Not every athlete is at the same stage — and not every pathway looks the same. Common Ground is a non-profit sports and cultural association that supports international athletes at different points in their development: those pursuing a full university degree, those on a gap year or seasonal stay, and those focused primarily on high-performance athletic development within an academic and cultural environment.
Whatever your situation, we provide the structure, support, and community to help you train at a high level, grow as a person, and make the most of your time in Valencia.
Find the Right Format for You
We offer three pathway formats — each combining sport development with an academic or cultural framework. All three are available across Football, Basketball, and Tennis.
Full Academic-Athletic Pathway
For athletes who want to combine full university enrolment with structured sport participation. We coordinate with partner universities in Valencia to ensure academic schedules accommodate training and competition throughout the academic year.
Gap Year or Seasonal Stay
For athletes who want a focused period of sport development in Valencia — combined with Spanish language study or cultural integration — without committing to a full degree programme. Ideal for a gap year, a pre-university season, or a structured break between academic stages.
High-Performance Development Stay
For athletes focused on a concentrated period of high-performance training in Valencia, supported by our association's network of facilities, coaches, and competition structures. Academic or language components can be incorporated on request.
Not sure which option fits? Tell us your situation and we will advise you.
Send an EnquiryChoose Your Sport
Football
Our football pathway is structured around UEFA development frameworks and adapted to your timeline — whether you are here for a full academic year or a focused training block. Training sessions and match schedules are coordinated with any academic or language commitments.
- UEFA-aligned coaching and development environment
- Participation in competitive leagues in Valencia
- Flexible scheduling for academic and language study
- Pastoral support and community integration
Basketball
Our basketball pathway connects athletes to European competition networks and a high-quality training environment in Valencia. The programme is adapted to your stay duration and can be combined with university enrolment, language study, or a standalone development focus.
- Integration into European competition structures
- Adaptable to full academic year or shorter stays
- Dual-career support where academic study is included
- Multicultural team environment in Valencia
Tennis
Our tennis pathway supports individual and group development across all stay durations — from short training blocks to full academic-year programmes. ITF-aligned training is provided with access to facilities in Valencia and tournament participation structured around your schedule.
- ITF-aligned training and development
- Tournament participation adapted to your timeline
- Access to facilities in Valencia
- Individual and group programme options
Open to Athletes at All Stages
Our programme is open to international athletes who want to develop in Valencia within a supportive academic and cultural framework. We welcome applications from athletes at all competitive levels and at different stages of their academic journey — and we assess each application individually.
Age
We typically work with athletes between 16 and 28 years of age, though we consider each application on its own merits.
Academic Background
For university pathway applicants, secondary education qualifications recognised for admission in Spain are required. For gap year or training stays, no specific academic requirement applies.
Athletic Level
We welcome athletes from regional to national competitive level who are committed to continued development. Elite or professional experience is not required.
Language
University study in Valencia is conducted in Spanish and/or Valencian. Language preparation support is available. For non-academic stays, language is not a barrier to participation.
Stay Duration
We accommodate stays from 4 weeks to 4 years. Tell us your situation and we will identify the most suitable pathway option.
International Athletes
We particularly welcome international athletes and provide dedicated support for visa requirements, enrolment processes, and integration into life in Valencia.
The Enquiry and Onboarding Process
Submit an Enquiry
Tell us about yourself — your sport, your level, your academic situation, and how long you are thinking of coming to Valencia. There is no commitment at this stage.
Initial Conversation
A member of our association will contact you to discuss your goals and identify which pathway option — full degree, gap year, or training stay — best fits your situation.
Pathway Planning
We put together a personalised plan covering sport integration, any academic or language components, accommodation guidance, and administrative support for your arrival.
Arrival and Integration
On arrival in Valencia, our team supports you with registration, settling in, and integration into your training group and the wider Common Ground community.
Ongoing Support
Throughout your stay, our association provides pastoral care, academic liaison where relevant, and community support — so you can focus on developing as an athlete and as a person.
Support Throughout Your Stay
Pathway Planning
We work with you before arrival to identify the right combination of sport, academic study, and cultural integration for your goals and timeline.
University Enrolment Support
For athletes pursuing a degree, we guide you through admissions, documentation, credential recognition, and registration at our partner universities.
Language Study Options
Spanish language courses can be incorporated into any pathway — essential for university study, and valuable for any stay in Valencia.
Accommodation Guidance
We assist athletes in finding suitable accommodation in Valencia and navigating the practical aspects of relocating, whatever the length of your stay.
Visa and Administrative Support
Our team provides guidance on student visa and short-stay requirements for international athletes, and supports you through administrative processes.
Community and Pastoral Care
We foster a multicultural community of athletes in Valencia. A dedicated member of our association is available for pastoral support throughout your time with us.
Tell Us About Your Situation
Whether you are planning a full degree, a gap year, or a focused training stay — we would like to hear from you. Send us an enquiry and a member of our association will be in touch to discuss the right pathway for you.