At the International Development Academy, our commitment to player success goes far beyond the training pitch. We provide every athlete with the exposure and opportunities needed to take the next step — whether that’s through our extensive college recruitment resources, partnerships with professional clubs, or immersion in the European football lifestyle. Our alumni are a testament to that mission — earning college scholarships, signing professional contracts, and continuing to grow both on and off the field.
Real Madrid | Hércules CF
At just 19 years old, Jeremy De Leon, an IDA Valencia alum, achieved a major milestone by signing a professional contract with Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. His two-year deal runs through 2026, marking a remarkable rise from academy prospect to professional player.
During his time with Real Madrid, Jeremy earned valuable first-team exposure, training alongside some of the world’s best and even making his debut during the club’s U.S. tour. Continuing his professional growth, he has since extended his contract with Real Madrid and joined Hércules CF on loan, where he continues to develop and make his mark in the next chapter of his career.
Real Madrid | RB Leipzig
From playing youth soccer in Florida to representing Côte d’Ivoire on the world’s biggest stage, Yan Diomande’s rise has been extraordinary. An inaugural member of the soccer program launched through the IDA Florida and DME Academy partnership, Yan went on to make his LaLiga debut with C.D. Leganés before joining RB Leipzig in 2025. At just 19, he became the youngest Ivorian to appear at a FIFA World Cup and earned Player of the Match honors on his tournament debut against Ecuador.
In August 2026, his journey reached another milestone as he completed a move to Real Madrid, signing through 2033. From Florida to Madrid, Yan’s remarkable journey is a powerful example of how talent, development and opportunity can come together along a player’s pathway.
Sevilla FC
Emmanuel Abrokwa, Ghanaian winger and IDA Valencia alum, spent three months at the academy while undergoing trials with Sevilla FC. Between visits to Sevilla, IDA provided daily training, competitive matches, individual development and support off the pitch, helping him adapt to Spanish football and return to each trial more confident and prepared.
At 18, Emmanuel signed with Sevilla FC through June 2029, becoming the first Ghanaian player in the club’s history and joining its U19 squad. His journey highlights the role IDA can play at a decisive stage in a player’s career: providing the environment, consistency and preparation to turn an existing opportunity into a successful next step.
CD Castellón | PR National Team
At just 17 years old, Eddiel Márquez has already represented his country on the international stage. After developing his game at IDA Valencia, Eddiel earned selection to the Puerto Rico U17 National Team and now competes with CD Castellón U19 in Spain’s División de Honor Juvenil.
Eddiel’s journey from Puerto Rico Surf to IDA Valencia and into the European game highlights the academy’s commitment to connecting ambition with opportunity — helping players reach their full potential on and off the field.
Sheffield Wednesday FC
Killian Barrett, an IDA UK alum, joined the academy at just 16 and spent four years developing as a goalkeeper.
In July 2024, he signed his first professional contract with Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Championship. Killian has also gained first-team experience on loan at Solihull Moors and Rochdale, helping contribute to Rochdale’s promotion play-off run while keeping clean sheets and showcasing his abilities.
His journey from IDA to professional football highlights the academy’s role in developing talent and providing opportunities for players to succeed at higher levels.
Villarreal CF
Neville Knowles III, a striker from the US, signed a two year contract with Villarreal CF just two months after he started playing with our partner club, UD Vall de Uxo.
In his first friendly match with Villarreal, Neville scored two goals in a 4–3 victory. By early 2025, he had netted nine goals in 17 appearances, leading to a contract extension through 2027. His rapid development underscores the effectiveness of the IDA pathway in nurturing young talent for top-tier football.
Côte d’Ivoire National Team
Yan Diomande, winger and IDA Florida alum, made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the first teenager to represent Côte d’Ivoire in the tournament. At just 19, he earned Player of the Match honours on his World Cup debut against Ecuador - less than four years after joining the inaugural IDA and DME Academy programme in Florida.
There, Yan tested himself against college teams, international academies and professional opposition, developing his talent in an environment that challenged him beyond his age group. His journey took him from a UPSL national title with AS Frenzi to CD Leganés, RB Leipzig and Real Madrid. Today, he represents his country on football’s biggest stage, with a pathway that connects his academy development in Florida to the highest levels of the game.
Puerto Rico National Team
Jeremy de León, winger and IDA Valencia alum, moved from Puerto Rico to Spain in 2020 to combine full-time football development with his high school education. At IDA, he developed his strength, technical ability and tactical understanding, crediting video analysis with helping him prepare for national team football. His professional pathway took him to CD Castellón and Real Madrid, followed by a loan spell at Hércules CF. He now plays for UE Sant Andreu.
From scoring twice to help Puerto Rico qualify for the 2022 Concacaf U20 Championship to delivering for the senior national team, Jeremy has continued to make his mark internationally. He scored twice against Anguilla in World Cup qualifying and, most recently, netted the winner in Puerto Rico’s 1–0 victory over the Cayman Islands on October 4, 2026, in the Concacaf Nations League.
Yemen National Team
Harwan Alzubaidi, an IDA UK alum, has progressed from academy football in England to representing Yemen’s senior national team. His time at IDA formed part of a pathway that took him into professional football and gave him the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
With multiple senior international caps and goals in consecutive national team matches, Harwan has made his mark in Yemen’s colours. His journey reflects the international pathways available to IDA players, connecting development in an academy environment with the opportunity to represent their country.
Canada U17 National Team
Liam Torres Cook, forward and IDA Valencia alum, first connected with IDA through a summer camp in 2023 and the academy’s partnership with Toronto United FC. That initial experience led to a move to the Valencia residency programme, where he continued his development in Spanish football before progressing to CD Castellón.
Liam has since made his mark with Canada’s U17 national team, scoring twice in a 5–1 victory over Aruba during the 2026 Concacaf U17 Qualifiers. Later this year, he earned selection for the UEFA-organised Friendship Cup in Switzerland, starting against Brazil and also appearing against Côte d’Ivoire - taking his development in Spanish football onto the international stage.
Benin U17 National Team
Divin Sokpetin, midfielder and current IDA Valencia player, moved to Spain after developing at PSG Academy in Senegal. Now in his third season at IDA, Divin credits daily training and the academy’s support with improving his tactical awareness, composure under pressure and decision-making, alongside becoming more confident and independent off the pitch.
His development has earned him call-ups to Benin’s U17 national team preparation camps ahead of the WAFU-B tournament. Divin describes his experience at IDA as an important part of adapting to international football, helping him approach the demands of national team training with greater tactical understanding, discipline and maturity.
Mongolia U20 National Team
Odkhuu Soyol, current IDA Valencia player, moved from Mongolia to Spain to challenge himself in a more demanding football environment. Now in his third season at IDA, Soyol has developed his reading of the game, positioning and decision-making, crediting his experience in Spanish football with helping him play with greater intensity and confidence.
Soyol represented Mongolia at the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, contributing three assists across victories over the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. Featuring in both matches, he brought the lessons from his daily development in Valencia onto the international stage while continuing to work towards his ambition of playing professionally.
University of California Berkeley | CF Montréal
After spending a gap year at IDA Valencia to refine his game and gain European experience, Arik Duncan continued his journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where he led the team in goals and points during the 2024 season.
His standout performances caught the attention of MLS scouts, and he was selected 31st overall by San Diego FC in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Harrison’s journey from IDA to collegiate and now professional soccer highlights the academy’s role in preparing players for the next level.
University of Washington | San Diego FC
Harrison Bertos spent a month at IDA Valencia, gaining valuable training and development before continuing his progress at the University of Washington, where he played a key role in the Huskies’ 2024 season.
His standout performances caught the attention of MLS scouts, and he was selected 31st overall by San Diego FC in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Harrison’s journey from IDA to collegiate and now professional soccer highlights the academy’s role in preparing players for the next level.
University of Dayton | PR National Team
Adrian Biaggi developed at IDA Florida and served as captain of the U15 Puerto Rico National Team before committing to University of Dayton. As a sophomore, he appeared in 10 games, earning four starts, and has since transferred to UIC for his junior year, continuing to advance his soccer career while pursuing his academic goals. Adrian’s journey highlights IDA’s dedication to preparing players for success at the collegiate and international levels.
Jake’s journey underscores IDA’s commitment to preparing players for success in both professional and collegiate environments.
Virginia Tech | University of Vermont
Jake Jacobi, goalkeeper and IDA Valencia alum, honed his skills in Spain and gained experience with UD Vall de Uxó before beginning his collegiate career at Virginia Tech. He has recently transferred to the University of Vermont, reigning NCAA Division I national champions, continuing his development at the highest level of collegiate soccer.
Jake’s journey underscores IDA’s commitment to preparing players for success in both professional and collegiate environments.
East Tennessee State University
Gavin Dick, striker and IDA Valencia alum from Stirling, Scotland, continued his development in Spain before earning an NCAA Division I scholarship at East Tennessee State University. Through full-time training, individual coaching, video analysis, and competitive football with CFA Quart de les Valls, Gavin developed his game and gained experience in an international environment that helped prepare him for college soccer.
Now midway through his first season at ETSU, Gavin has already recorded five goals and five assists across his opening 14 appearances, starting 12 matches and earning Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week honours. Alongside studying Business Management, he is making his mark as both a goalscorer and creator, crediting his time at IDA Valencia with helping him adapt to the demands of collegiate football.
Rollins College
Kaden Foreman, defender and IDA UK alum, took a gap year in England before beginning his collegiate career at Rollins College. During his time at IDA UK, Kaden developed his technical ability, maturity, and leadership while competing against older opposition in under-23 league matches—an experience that accelerated his growth both on and off the field.
Now a senior captain at Rollins, Kaden has been a consistent starter throughout his college career, known for his composure, defensive strength, and leadership.
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