Thinking of relocating to Spain with your family? Here’s what you need to know about youth sports before you unpack those cleats and lacrosse equipment.
⚽ Football Is King—And It’s All Year Long
If there’s one thing you’ll notice right away, it’s that soccer (or football, as the rest of the world calls it) reigns supreme. For many Spanish kids, football is the sport.
Unlike the U.S., where sports are split by season (soccer in the fall, basketball in winter, baseball in spring), football in Spain is year-round. This consistency allows kids to really develop their skills and improve steadily. But it also means there’s less opportunity to try out different sports throughout the year.
Gender Gaps in Youth Football
One thing that stood out to us as a family was the disparity between boys and girls in football. While girls can play, the number of teams and opportunities for them are fewer than what we experienced in the U.S. It was a bit disappointing, especially if you have a daughter who’s passionate about soccer.
Where Are the Girls? Think Gymnastics
While boys flock to football, many girls gravitate toward gymnastics—especially rhythmic gymnastics, which is particularly popular in Spain. You’ll also find artistic gymnastics classes, and they often have strong communities and regular performances or competitions.
If your child is interested in gymnastics, be prepared to sign up early. These classes fill up fast!
🏀🎾🏑 Other Sports Exist—But It’s Not the U.S.
You can definitely find basketball, hockey, tennis, track & field, and golf, among other sports. But the variety and visibility of youth sports in Spain is more limited compared to the U.S.
There’s no cultural push to “try a new sport every season” like you often find in American youth leagues. Some kids specialize early—and that’s the norm.
Moms, Meet Padel—Your New Best Friend
Let’s not forget about you, mama! If you’re looking to get moving and make new friends, padel might become your new favorite thing. It’s a tennis-meets-squash sport that’s huge in Spain right now, especially among adults.
It’s easy to learn, super social, and a great way to sneak in some fitness while building your new circle. At MovingWhere, we even offer some Padel Tournaments where you can join to meet new friends and show off your new skills!
Final Tips: Know What’s Available Before You Arrive
Before you make the move, it’s worth doing a little research on the sports centers (polideportivos) and clubs in your future neighborhood. Ask local parents, look up teams online, or join a city-specific expat mom group for insider info.
Pro Tip: Sports often operate outside of school, through clubs or academies. So don’t assume school will automatically provide athletic options.
Have You Experienced Youth Sports in Spain?
We’d love to hear from other mothers who’ve made the move. What sports did your kids get into? What surprised you most? Drop a comment below or share this with a fellow mama heading to Spain.