The Emerging Athletes Program is an international athlete development initiative led by the Catalan American Council (CAC). The pilot phase places selected U.S. athletes in Andorra for 1–2 years of structured training and competition. The program provides visa facilitation, relocation logistics, mentorship, and access to sponsors and professional networks. Its mission is to accelerate athletic careers through international experience while building long-term Catalan-American sports exchange pathways.

The Andorra pilot cohort is open to U.S. nationals under age 30 who are actively competing and can demonstrate measurable athletic achievement, such as regional or national rankings, awards, or consistent competition history. Applicants must show how relocating to Andorra will support their athletic progression. The program is designed for high-potential athletes seeking international competition exposure and structured development support.

For the 2026 pilot launch, placements are exclusively based in Andorra. Visa facilitation and institutional partnerships are already committed there, allowing the program to operate with operational clarity and regulatory support. Future phases are expected to expand into broader Catalan linguistic territories and introduce bidirectional exchanges with the United States, but the inaugural cohort will relocate only to Andorra.

Yes. The Emerging Athletes Program includes structured visa facilitation and relocation coordination for selected participants. Andorra has committed to supporting visa documentation for the pilot cohort. The Catalan American Council also assists with travel logistics, transition guidance, and local integration resources, helping athletes focus on training, competition, and professional development.

Applications are submitted through the CAC website and require a resume, competition history, personal statement, and references. A jury composed of CAC board members, donors, sponsors, sports experts, and regional representatives evaluates candidates. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with responses typically issued within 4–6 weeks. Evaluation criteria include athletic achievement, long-term potential, and alignment with CAC’s cultural exchange mission.

Athletes are expected to train and compete seriously, comply with local regulations, provide periodic updates, and may act as ambassadors for CAC.

The program is led by Sheila Dixon, a former first-team player for FC Barcelona Women's Basketball and a 2023 inductee into the New York Basketball Hall of Fame. Dixon brings nearly 15 years of experience in athlete development and international mobility. Her academic background and executive leadership in sports policy uniquely position CAC to guide athletes through scholarship pathways and global competition systems.

The official launch of the Andorra pilot cohort is scheduled for Q3 2026. Following the pilot phase, the program plans to expand into bidirectional exchanges beginning in 2028.

Sponsors, donors, and employers can support the program by funding athlete mobility, offering part-time employment opportunities, or providing equipment sponsorship. Partner organizations gain visibility, brand alignment with international sports development, and measurable cultural impact through CAC’s annual reporting and athlete success stories.