Youth football in Spain & Italy?

Are you asking about true US football or European football - soccer?

European football

FC Barcelona does offer a two-week youth soccer camp experience for American kids in Barcelona. But I'm not aware of any kind of one-off practice session:(

On the surface sounds like a fun idea and maybe an interesting experience for your son. But turn it around. I was a youth soccer coach for 16 years at a high level. Our practice time was limited so it was very structured. With my two assistant coaches we had very set routines from warm up to games practices that we followed to make our practices very efficient and effective. Personally I would have tolerated it but would have been unhappy if one of my kids showed up with a visiting cousin who wanted to practice with us and especially play with us. He is not part of the system, doesn't know what we are doing, etc. He could participate in the drills but not play with us since he is not part of the team and would be disruptive to the team if he is on the pitch. Our practices are not a pickup or sand lot game. Finally all of my instructions are in English and I assume an Italian youth soccer coach would address his players in Italian. Does you son know Italian?

Again I think it is a fun idea but a great imposition on another coach and team. Others may have a different attitude. However that is my personal opinion.

I also do not know of any specific opportunities, but maybe it would be fun for him to seek out a park/pitch where he can do pickup with the locals (if such a thing would exist). Perhaps not as structured as you are looking for, but equally fun nonetheless. I am curious also as to whether it would be worth carrying all the gear around for a month for a game here and there. Too bad the futball season is over by then since a soccer match may have been fun.

Maybe try and find a listserve of expats in the specific cities in Spain and Italy you will be visiting, and seek their advice on this.

June is pretty much the end of the football season in Europe, so most clubs are on holidays by then.

Thanks for all the advice! Much appreciated. Yes, we are bummed we're just barely missing the end of season. But a trip to Camp Nou will be in order. Frank- appreciate your viewpoint. We do know someone who played with a youth team in the UK and had a great experience. The language barrier he'd have in Spain/Italy is a legitimate concern and something to consider. We'll see what happens as we explore this more.

Thanks!