José Antonio Rois: “Celta360 is not just a sports project, it is also an educational project”

Education is one of the fundamental pillars of the Celta360 project. We work to ensure that all the boys and girls living in the complex receive the best possible education. That is why we rely on an institution such as Los Sauces to provide added value when it comes to the training of our young athletes. From his position as an important part of the Celta360 ecosystem, we spoke with José Antonio Rois Quiroga, General Director of Los Sauces and President of the Association of Private and Independent Schools of Spain (CICAE).

Question: José Antonio, how would you define the educational proposal of Los Sauces?
Answer: Our educational proposal is based on the comprehensive development of each student. Our motto reflects the essence of our school: “you are the protagonist.” The students are at the center of our educational approach. To achieve this, we aim for a well-rounded education that focuses not only on academic excellence but also on the personal, emotional, and social development of each student. In our schools, we work to shape individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the future, with independent thinking, a strong work ethic, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Q: In such a competitive sector, what would you say truly differentiates Los Sauces from other private schools in Spain?
A: I believe there are two major differences between Los Sauces and other institutions. Ours is a unique, highly personal project; it is a family-oriented school, very close to its community, where we highly value the commitment of our entire team. We are committed to a personalized and approachable education so that each student always feels known and supported. We strongly combine tradition with constant adaptation to social and educational changes, which I believe allows us to remain a benchmark institution.

Q: In that sense, what role does sport play in students’ education?
A: Sport is a top-level educational tool. Through it, we want our students to learn to challenge themselves, work as a team, manage frustration, and value effort. We see sport as a privileged space to instill values beyond physical activity.

Q: Beyond academics, how important are values such as effort, teamwork, and discipline within your educational model?
A: The values of sport are fundamental to us. We understand that education goes far beyond academic content, which is why we place such importance on sport. Effort, perseverance, and respect are essential values that, once internalized, are useful in all areas of life.

Q: On a personal level, in addition to your work at Los Sauces, you are the president of CICAE. What are the main challenges currently facing private education in Spain?
A: Being the president of CICAE and representing the 65 most prestigious schools in our country is an honor for me. One of the main challenges in education today is adapting to a constantly changing environment, both technologically and socially. It is essential to continue defending families’ freedom of choice when they opt for private education and the role it plays within Spain’s educational system. We must keep working to ensure that educational offerings are always accompanied by quality and rigor.

Q: From your position at CICAE, how do you think the educational model will evolve in the coming years?
A: I’ll speak a bit in favor of our own approach and return to what I mentioned earlier about what students experience at Los Sauces. I believe the educational model will move toward greater personalization of learning. We will need to embrace more intensive use of technology, but always from a highly personalized perspective, without losing focus on the human element. There will be greater integration of skills in education—a more practical approach, more connected to reality, and with increasing attention to students’ social well-being.

Q: How did the collaboration with Celta360 come about, and what motivated you to be part of the project?
A: For us, it was a source of pride that Celta counted on us to be part of the Celta360 ecosystem. We have been working with the club since 2013, and we are aware of Celta’s commitment to young people and their development beyond football. We share the same vision: both organizations work to offer young people a comprehensive education. From the very beginning, we saw that Celta360 is not only a sports project but also an educational one. From there, we decided to join forces and continue using sport as a tool to educate in values.

Q: From your perspective, what does a club like Celta bring to an educational environment like yours?
A: It brings a great deal: experience, professionalism, and a high-level sporting culture. A club like Celta represents values with which we strongly identify.

Q: The Celta360 model seeks the comprehensive development of young athletes. How does this philosophy fit with the educational identity of Los Sauces?
A: It fits naturally. At Los Sauces, we believe in a comprehensive approach where academic, personal, and athletic development complement one another. At the Celta360 complex, once the new Los Sauces Celta360 School is operational, our student-athletes will have an ideal environment to grow in all dimensions.

Q: Los Sauces will also manage the early childhood school planned within the Celta360 complex. Is this something families interested in the project should consider?
A: Managing the early childhood school at Celta360 means that a child can be part of Los Sauces from the age of 0. Starting at 0 and continuing until 18. For families who choose our model, I believe this provides a guarantee of stability and long-term educational commitment.

Q: Finally, what would you like a family or student to think when they hear “Los Sauces Celta360”?
A: I would like them to see it as a unique opportunity—where they will find a high-quality education combined with demanding sports training rooted in values. Ultimately, when we talk about Celta360, we are talking about an environment that aims to care for the whole person, with the goal of preparing young people not only to compete, but for life.