A vibrant academy

Hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and hope; these are the four ingredients that define the perfection and mentality of Real Sporting de Gijón, the team that has had an unbeaten start to the 2014/15 Liga Adelante.

The Asturian side has formed a team that bears the signature of the Escuela de Fútbol de Mareo, committing to the youth, quality and verve of the many players from Sporting's prolific academy. The results have been quick to arrive, as the team from Gijon is fourth in the table and unbeaten after six matches with three wins and three draws.

Mareo, an endless source of talent

Four Sporting B players have joined the first team this year: Álex Menéndez, Julio Rodríguez, Carlos Castro and Jony Rodríguez. In addition, another academy player, Juan Muñiz, has returned to the Rojiblancos after a spell on loan at CD Mirandés.

Together with them, more players are knocking loudly on the door of the first squad. Such is the case of Pablo Pérez, a 21-year-old midfielder who, with three goals in the Liga Adelante, has proved key to helping Sporting stay at the top end of the table. Rachid Aït-Atmane, one of the most promising players at the Mareo, is another of the academy footballers receiving game time with the team.

Among Abelardo Fernández's regular starters, there are more academy graduates such as Álex Barrera, Sergio Álvarez, Nacho Cases and the ever-present Alberto Lora, players who are now experienced and are blessed with heaps of talent that helps the Asturian side form a perfect symbiosis.

A leader in the dugout

Abelardo is, without a doubt, the main architect of Sporting's current success. The ex-player took the reins of the team last May, when there were only five Liga Adelante matches left, and he managed to lead his men to the promotion playoffs.

His previous work with the club's reserve team meant he quickly had confidence in the youngsters, making Jony an important player and giving Pablo Pérez a start against FC Barcelona B when a place in the playoffs was at stake. For his new campaign, Abelardo has made the academy into the squad's keystone without the Asturians losing an ounce of competitiveness, as can be seen by the results.

"I try to instil an idea, a style. I think the kids at Mareo are those who have to be in the first team. They want to learn, they are professionals, they look after themselves and that is very important. They don't have to thank me for anything, they earn it on the pitch. Also, I know they will give everything for Sporting. I play them because I know they will respond", he commented.

Pitu, as the 44-year-old manager is affectionately known, has seen his team demonstrate that they have what it takes to win and will never throw in the towel. Therefore, promotion to the Liga BBVA continues to be a goal that the Rojiblancos will go all out for, as Abelardo himself revealed: "We are Sporting and people are ambitious here. You have to stay calm and take it step by step. Promotion is the dream".