Sergio Navarro will step down as academy director at the end of the season

Sergio Navarro has confirmed that at the end of the current season he will be bringing an end to his three-year spell as Athletic Club's academy director due to family reasons.

Since joining Athletic Club at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, Sergio Navarro has implemented and developed a comprehensive youth development model for both male and female players. His system put footballers at the centre of an extensive process, with focuses on academic and psychological development in addition to sporting performance.

Over the last three years, his methodology has consolidated Lezama's reputation as one of the best academies in world football. Coaches have seen their duties increased and professionalised and development processes have been improved with personalised work plans, all with the aim of better preparing young footballers to step up to the first team.

It's work which has had an impact, both in terms of the numbers of Athletic first-team debuts and the number of academy products now playing at other professional clubs.

“Deciding to leave Athletic was a very difficult decision, especially when the work is producing results," Navarro told the club.

"I will leave not only with the feeling of having done my duty, but also with the conviction that, thanks to this unique club, I have had an incredible professional and emotional experience that has been truly enriching.

"I have felt well backed in these three years, and I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support and hard work during all this time. I feel very fortunate to have shared this experience with them."

Sergio will remain in his job and carry out the same tasks until the end of the season.

Athletic Club would like to publicly thank Sergio Navarro for his outstanding efforts and commitment, and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.