John Paul College (JPC) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Spanish football club Reial Club Deportiu (RCD) Espanyol de Barcelona, launching the Espanyol Elite Football Program, the only official RCD Espanyol Football School program in Queensland. This partnership brings together one of Europe’s most respected football clubs in youth development with one of Queensland’s leading school sporting programs, creating an unparalleled pathway for young footballers. Through this collaboration, JPC students will gain access to world-class training methodologies, pathway and international player development opportunities.
Founded in 1900, RCD Espanyol is renowned for its strong academy heritage, family-centred culture and global reputation for producing elite youth talent. Their world-class training facility, Ciudad Deportiva Dani Jarque, is home to one of the most successful youth development systems in Europe. Through its international schools, Espanyol exports its proven methodology to nurture technically skilled, intelligent and resilient players. Aligned with this philosophy, the newly launched JPC Espanyol Elite Football Program will offer students from Years 4 to 12 the chance to learn ‘beautiful football’ through the official RCD Espanyol methodology, supported by specialist coaching, online learning modules and dedicated player education.
The program will be directed by Kerwin Jean-Pierre, JPC’s Football Head Coach and a former professional footballer. With elite coaching credentials (AFC A Licence, CAF A, UEFA B) and experience across South Africa, Australia and Spain, Kerwin brings deep expertise in technical development, tactical education and character-building through sport. JPC coaches will also participate in ongoing development under the RCD Espanyol youth academy framework, ensuring world-class standards across all levels of the program.
The Espanyol Elite Football Program is designed to support a wide range of student-athletes, from those seeking high-performance development to those wanting to grow their skills in a fun, safe and structured environment. Students will benefit from European-informed coaching, access to Espanyol’s online player education platform, pathways into competitive football (Junior TAS, TAS, NPL, FQA), visits from Espanyol youth coaches and future opportunities for tournaments and training experiences in Barcelona. The program will also strengthen preparation for school competitions and establish clear pathways into club and representative football.
Launching in 2026, the program will offer twice-weekly high-performance sessions throughout the year, with expansion in 2027 to include Barcelona tour opportunities, tournament participation and further integration of the Espanyol development model across the College’s football pathway.
Principal Craig Merritt said the partnership represents a significant step forward for football at the College. “This partnership with RCD Espanyol is transformative. It strengthens our commitment to developing confident, capable and aspirational young people through excellence in sport, teamwork and character development. We are proud to offer our students a pathway that combines international expertise with the strong values of our College.”
John Paul College acknowledges the generous support of the Luna family, whose commitment and passion have been vital to making this program possible. We also thank Mr Jason Cowland for his support in drafting this agreement and for serving as our vital conduit between JPC and RCD Espanyol.
The JPC Espanyol Elite Football Program will commence in Term 1, 2026, with applications now open to all JPC students in Years 4 to 12 in 2026.
The above article was originally published as a media release by John Paul College.