Emerging Athletes Program
Open Enrollment
✳︎
Emerging Athletes Program
✳︎
Apply Now
✳︎
Open Enrollment
✳︎
Emerging Athletes Program
✳︎
Apply Now
✳︎
Open Enrollment ✳︎ Emerging Athletes Program ✳︎ Apply Now ✳︎ Open Enrollment ✳︎ Emerging Athletes Program ✳︎ Apply Now ✳︎
Transform Your Athletic Career Through International Experience
1-2 year placements connecting talented athletes between the U.S. and Catalan-speaking regions with full visa, relocation, and professional development support.
Building Bridges Through Sport
The Emerging Athletes Program is a Catalan American Council initiative that creates life-changing opportunities for young, high-potential athletes. We facilitate international athletic relocations between the United States and Catalan linguistic territories (including Catalonia, Andorra, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands).
Whether you're a talented American athlete seeking European competition exposure, or an emerging athlete from a Catalan linguistic territory ready to train and compete in the U.S., our program provides the complete support system you need.
Our program mission
Empower the next generation of athletes with international experiences that accelerate their careers, deepen cultural exchange, and open doors that would otherwise remain closed
What We Provide
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Airfare and relocation logistics for 1-2 year stays (extendable based on progress).
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Facilitation of documentation and work permit support.
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Assistance securing part-time jobs in the host country for financial stability.
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Connections to sponsors for equipment, training, and event funding.
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Mentorship, cultural integration support, and access to sports facilities/networks.
Emerging Athletes Program Impact
< 30 Age Requirement
1-2 Years of Support
Q3 2027 Pilot Lunch
Are You Eligible?
You're a great fit if you:
How the Emerging Athletes Program Works
Apply Online
Submit your application with athletic resume, competition history, and personal statement.
Expert Review
A diverse jury of sports experts, sponsors, and CAC representatives evaluates your application.
Get Selected
Receive news from us within 4-6 weeks on whether you are selected for an interview. Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Launch Your Journey
Begin your 1-2-year placement with full support, access to training, and career development.
Meet Our Program Leader
Sheila Dixon
"From Schenectady, New York to Barcelona to Andorra: I've lived this journey. Now I want to open these doors for other athletes.”
An All-Ivy athlete at Brown University and former professional in Barcelona, Sheila combines elite competition experience with nearly 15 years of guiding student-athletes toward international academic and professional opportunities.
She leads the Emerging Athletes Program with firsthand knowledge of what it takes to compete and succeed across borders.
2023 New York Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee ·
Former FC Barcelona Women's Basketball First Team ·
Founder, Dixon Sport & Dixon Sport Academy (Andorra)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Young, high-potential athletes under 30 who are actively competing and seeking international exposure to accelerate their careers.
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No. The program is designed for pre-professional or emerging athletes who have demonstrated competitive success.
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Support may include airfare, visa facilitation, finding accommodation, access to facilities, mentorship, and sponsor introductions. Coverage varies by placement.
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Athletes are expected to train and compete seriously, comply with local regulations, provide periodic updates, and may act as ambassadors for CAC.
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No. The program provides access and support, but outcomes depend on performance and opportunity.
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Contact Sheila or CAC via info@catalanamerican.org for involvement, questions, or to schedule meetings
