For most 17-year-olds, the idea of leaving home, crossing an ocean, and starting a new life in European football feels like a distant dream.
For Nico Morales, a goalkeeper from Miami, Florida, it became a reality the moment he decided to take a chance on himself.
His journey to the Baskonia Alavés Academy didn’t begin with a scouting event or a trial invite—it began with a conversation. One day, while visiting family in Chicago, Nico’s father learned about an opportunity in Spain through a relative. He immediately called his son:
“If you want to take this soccer thing seriously… I found something for you. Go for two weeks, give everything you have, and if you perform, you can stay for the year.”
Nico didn’t hesitate. He packed his bags, got on a plane, and trusted that this decision might change his life.
Preparing for the Next Level
Before arriving in Spain, Nico spent five years at Miami Rush Football Academy, competing against top U.S. programs like Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union. The environment was strong and competitive—but he wanted more.
His real turning point came through goalkeeper coach Ronald Garcés, who trained professionals and opened the doors of his Goalkeeper Academy to Nico.
For years, Nico woke up at 5 a.m., drove an hour to training, surrounded himself with pro players, and coached younger kids afterward. That discipline became his foundation.
Still, nothing compared to what he found in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
The Leap to Spain
When Nico arrived at the Ondare Residency, he immediately felt supported.
From his room to the meals to the academic help, he describes the environment as “welcoming from day one… if I need anything, they go out of their way to help me.”
But the biggest moment came when he stepped onto the pitch with the Deportivo Alavés cantera—the official youth system of the club.
The speed.
The technical quality.
The intensity.
The precision of every action.
His words were simple:
“It doesn’t compare to MLS Next.”
The level pushed him, inspired him, and confirmed he made the right choice.
Coaching That Changes Careers
During his first sessions with the cantera, Nico received direct guidance from Alavés goalkeeper coaches:
- Be more confident.
- Play outside your box.
- Use your feet.
- Stay calm under pressure.
Advice he says he’ll carry for the rest of his career.
Being welcomed by players and staff calmed his nerves and allowed him to perform. What began as a two-week opportunity turned into a long-term commitment—and a pathway toward higher levels of the game.
A New Home in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Outside of football, Nico fell in love with the city itself.
Walking through Vitoria, exploring the streets, and appreciating the architecture made him realize how unique his life had become.
His family, friends, teammates, and even his girlfriend back home are proud of him. And he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity:
“Being in Europe is something not many people get to experience. I’m fully taking advantage of this.”
A Pathway Proving What’s Possible
Nico’s story is one example of what the Baskonia Alavés Academy exists to create:
a clear path for international players to grow, challenge themselves, and earn opportunities within a professional club environment.
From Miami Rush → to early morning training → to taking a chance → to now training with the Deportivo Alavés cantera, Nico represents what happens when talent meets opportunity—and when a young player decides to bet on himself.
Baskonia Alavés Academy & Ondare Residency
Where potential meets opportunity.