Tajonar Experience: Osasuna's Methodology as a Tool to Help Football Grow

Club Atlético Osasuna has launched an ambitious project to take its renowned player development methodology, Método Tajonar, beyond its borders. The Tajonar Experience is designed for young footballers and coaches from around the world to experience firsthand how the Osasuna Academy operates. This initiative not only aids in player development but also serves as a means for the club to expand its methodology globally.

“In recent years, our Academy’s efforts have drawn attention from leagues and clubs worldwide,” said Ángel Alcalde, the director of Osasuna’s Academy. “We’ve seen a significant increase in requests to tour Tajonar and learn about our player development strategies. This has allowed us to create a program for young athletes and coaches to come here for a short time, and return home with new processes, knowledge, and skills to help them excel.”

The program runs in parallel with the Academy’s training sessions, providing participants with the opportunity to interact with the team’s young players. This gives them a glimpse into the daily lives of a Primera División Academy player.

To maintain the competitiveness of the Academy teams, participants undergo skill assessments, which help coaches determine the best team for each player to join. This ensures a formative experience that does not disrupt the Rojillos’ ongoing development.

“This program highlights the competitive nature of our academy and the international interest it has received,” Alcalde added. “When participants arrive at Tajonar, we conduct a skill assessment to gauge their level and place them on the team that best aligns with their talent. We aim to create the best possible experience for everyone involved.”

An opportunity for Osasuna to grow 

Alcalde: “Our methodology not only aids in developing quality players but has also become a valuable asset for the club to share its expertise with other academies in regions where football is on the rise.”

This year, Tajonar has welcomed players and coaches from countries including Indonesia, the United States, Canada, Guatemala, or Egypt. Earlier, the program showcased its potential reach, as the club experienced increased media coverage in Indonesia after four Indonesian players trained at the Academy in March and June. The resulting impact prompted LaLiga to invite Osasuna to help promote the commencement of the season in the Asian nation.

“Many participants come from countries where Osasuna is not well known. For instance, in March and June, we hosted Indonesian players from clubs with follower counts ranging from 2 million to 8 million. This program has significantly raised Osasuna’s profile there,” Alcalde emphasized. “The impact was so substantial that LaLiga selected Osasuna to promote the start of the competition.”

The Tajonar Experience is not only opening doors for Osasuna abroad but is also solidifying the club’s methodology and values.

An experience to grow on and off the field

Cultural immersion and personal experience are integral components of the Tajonar Experience, aligning with the principles of Método Tajonar, which emphasize growth both on and off the field. This commitment to player development has made the Rojillo quarry the first club in Spain to receive the AENOR seal of excellence in young athlete development.

“It fosters growth on and off the field, which is the essence of Método Tajonar,” Alcalde said. “It allows participants to experience the three impacts every Academy player undergoes through Método Tajonar: collectively, as a group, and individually.”

For players like Iker Guilbert, a U-17 player, interacting with international peers is an enriching experience. “It’s inspiring to see newcomers from different backgrounds engage with us. We all push ourselves to practice our English, sometimes resorting to gestures to convey our meaning. Their excitement over our fields and tools, which we often take for granted, is truly rewarding.”

The experience extends beyond the pitch for these young footballers. They get to know Pamplona and Navarre, immersing themselves in the region’s culture and customs, which allows Osasuna to serve as an ambassador for the Chartered Community worldwide. Additionally, they learn about diverse cultures, practice different languages, and develop new communication skills.

 “For many, being part of a professional team’s Academy is a dream,” Alcalde noted. “These players enjoy a unique experience that goes well beyond football.”

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