Football training facilities have evolved far beyond the traditional practice ground. Today’s leading clubs are investing in campuses that bring together performance, recovery, education, wellbeing, and technology, making training centres some of the most important assets within a football organisation.
Populous, the architecture firm behind popular stadiums and training facilities worldwide, has appointed former Spain midfielder and World Cup winner Juan Mata as Special Advisor on Football and Training.
Mata will advise on the design of football training centres, drawing on experience gained across a professional career spanning Spain, England, Turkey, Japan, and Australia.
The appointment also marks a notable link between the former midfielder and the firm. Mata won the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium and lifted major club honours at London’s Wembley Stadium, both of which were designed by Populous. Across his playing career, he has appeared in nearly 200 matches at Populous-designed venues.
Juan Mata to contribute player perspective to training facility projects
In his advisory role, Mata will work with Populous’s global training facilities team, providing input on football training centres and athlete-focused environments.
His involvement will include design reviews, project discussions, client workshops, and engagement with teams across the firm’s international studios.
His appointment brings direct player experience into the design process.
Populous draws on global football training facility experience
The appointment supports Populous’s specialist training facilities practice, which has delivered more than 250 projects globally.
Its football portfolio includes training facilities for organisations such as Olympique Lyonnais, Queens Park Rangers, and New England Revolution, as well as projects across a range of other sports.
The firm’s approach combines architecture, interior design, technology, strategy, and performance planning to support athlete development and day-to-day operations.
Declan Sharkey, Global Director at Populous, said Mata’s experience at the highest levels of the game would provide valuable insight into how players and technical staff use training facilities.
According to Sharkey, Mata’s involvement will help project teams better understand considerations ranging from player performance and recovery to wellbeing and culture.
Alongside his playing career, Mata has been involved in football investment and development initiatives, including Mercury 13, San Diego FC, and the Right To Dream Academy. He has also supported organisations such as Common Goal, Street Football World, and UNICEF.
In the advisory role, Mata will contribute those experiences to football training facility projects undertaken by Populous worldwide.