Bailey Cullen, Author at InternationalDA

This summer, San Diego Premier Training (SDPT) brought a talented group of 17 players to Spain for an unforgettable international soccer experience at the IDA Valencia Prep Camp.

From the first communication with Edgar, Academy Founder & Head Coach, the focus was clear: help young players step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves in a professional football environment, and experience the rhythm of daily life in one of Europe’s most vibrant soccer cultures.

For the group of players that travelled from San Diego, the camp offered far more than just elite-level training. Over the course of their week in Valencia, they lived like professional academy players — complete with daily sessions led by UEFA-licensed coaches, strength and conditioning work, nutrition workshops, competitive tournament play and cultural excursions in Valencia and Barcelona.

Staying at the Mas Camarena residence, the players were immersed in a world built entirely around football and development. Training sessions took place at IDA’s state-of-the-art facilities, where the group was guided through tactical concepts, positional play, and game intelligence to elevate their technical and mental performance.

Competing, Connecting, and Growing Together

The camp wasn’t just about drills and competition — it was about connection. Players from around the world joined the same program, creating a dynamic environment where learning came not only from coaches, but from each other.

The SDPT players quickly bonded with peers from Europe, the Caribbean, and North America — sharing the pitch, exchanging ideas, and forging friendships that crossed borders.

Off the field, they explored the heart of Valencia: the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the Mestalla Stadium, and of course, the historic city center – all key aspects that make the city one of Spain’s most welcoming destinations for young athletes.

On the field, San Diego Premier Training’s players were challenged to adapt to European playing styles — emphasizing faster ball circulation, positional awareness, and game tempo. Many players commented on how much they improved in decision-making and speed of play. Coach Edgar from SDPT also noticed stronger mental resilience — a reflection of the camp’s holistic focus on both performance and personal growth.

One of the trip’s standout moments came during the group’s day trip to Barcelona, where they took part in a special training session led by professional academy coaches at RCD Espanyol. The players experienced first-hand the technical precision, and discipline demanded at a top Spanish academy, giving them a real taste of what it takes to train at the professional level.

By the end of the program, the group had gained more than new skills; they had gained perspective — on what it takes to compete at the next level and the kind of commitment needed to reach it.

Why Experiences Like This Matter

IDA’s Group Trips Program is built around one idea: development doesn’t just happen on familiar fields. It happens when players travel, adapt, and learn in environments that stretch them. For San Diego Premier Training, this trip to IDA Valencia was exactly that — a developmental milestone, a cultural immersion, and a shared adventure that strengthened bonds across the academy.

Bring Your Group Next Summer

IDA’s group experiences, like the one San Diego Premier Training enjoyed, are available for clubs, schools, and academies seeking the same opportunity to train, live, and play in elite environments abroad. Here’s what is on offer in 2025/26:

Destinations: Spain, United Kingdom, USA, Brazil
Ideal for: Players aged 10–21
Programs include: Training, accommodation, meals, excursions, and full support from IDA staff

Learn more about our Group Trips & Camps at internationalda.com/camps-group-trips. Take your players on a journey that goes beyond football and discover what’s possible when they experience the global game first-hand.

When Kaden Foreman left Columbus, Ohio, for a gap year at IDA UK in August 2021, he had no idea just how transformative the experience would be. At just 17, he was stepping onto the global stage—far from home, family, and the familiar rhythms of American soccer. But for Kaden, the challenge was exactly what he needed.

Taking the Leap
The COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted traditional recruiting, leaving young players like Kaden at a crossroads. “Being young for my grade, a gap year seemed like the perfect way to develop as a player and make myself more appealing to college coaches,” Kaden recalls. IDA UK offered not just elite training, but an opportunity to grow as a person—living and learning alongside players from across the globe.

Growing Through Challenge
At IDA UK, Kaden faced opponents up to five years older in under-23 league matches, and the intensity of daily training pushed him to new limits. “Playing in high-stakes games at 17 taught me how to handle pressure,” he says. “It prepared me for the physicality and mental demands of college soccer, and gave me confidence going into my first year at Rollins College.”

Memories That Last a Lifetime
Off the field, Kaden’s gap year was equally formative. From late-night study sessions to group excursions with his international teammates, every day offered new lessons. “Moving across the world at 17 taught me to embrace discomfort and thrive in it. I learned adaptability, independence, and how to connect with people from all walks of life,” Kaden reflects. “Those lessons still guide me, on and off the field.”

A College Career Built on Preparation
Kaden’s time at IDA UK directly influenced his recruitment to Rollins College. With guidance from Peter, IDA’s college recruitment lead, Kaden navigated the scholarship process and landed a trial with Rollins. Just 60 minutes of training later, the Tars had made their offer.

Since then, Kaden has become a cornerstone of the Rollins program. As a senior captain and defender, his stats tell part of the story, but his leadership and consistency define him:

2022: Started all 19 games, made his NCAA debut on 8/28 against Embry-Riddle, and scored his first career goal at Barry on 10/25.
2023: Started every game, one of only three Tars to do so, contributing 3 shots on goal.
2024: Continued as a key starter with 15 games played, scoring in the season opener and recording two assists in the SSC Semifinal against Barry.

Through these years, Kaden’s experience at IDA UK has proven invaluable. The high-intensity training, exposure to international competition, and structured lifestyle prepared him to balance academics, athletics, and leadership from day one.

Advice to Future IDA Players
Looking back, Kaden urges young players to take the leap. “Even a short-term experience at IDA UK can change your life. You’ll gain memories, friendships, and skills that last a lifetime, and you’ll be set up to reach your goals on the field if you work hard every single day.”

Looking Ahead
As he prepares for life beyond college, Kaden’s love for soccer remains steadfast. Injuries and academic pursuits may have shifted his path, but his passion for the game—and the global connections he’s built—will continue to shape his life.

Kaden Foreman’s journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of an IDA UK gap year: pushing beyond comfort, embracing challenges, and emerging ready to lead both on and off the pitch.

The International Development Academy (IDA) Announces Partnership with JHElite Training

The International Development Academy is proud to announce a new partnership with JHElite Training, led by José Hernández, a private coach dedicated to developing individual talent and creating Select Teams that can access international opportunities.

Through this collaboration, JHElite Training players will have the opportunity to participate in IDA’s various programs, while JHElite Select Teams will gain access to international tournaments and experiences organized by IDA.

These include prestigious events such as the Surf Cup International in Salou, Spain — featuring teams from over 36 countries — and the Royal Pre-Season Cup in England, where players will experience English football from the inside and compete at a high international level.

“One of the aspects that truly inspired me about José and JHElite Training is their commitment to providing players with real opportunities to grow through international exposure. We are very excited to open our global tournament network to JHElite teams and to see their players experience the level of competition and development these events offer.” said Fran Albiñana, Partnerships Manager at IDA.

This partnership reflects a shared vision: to create pathways that empower young athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field, and to open doors to the world’s most competitive soccer environments.

We look forward to working closely with José and the JHElite Training teams to continue providing unforgettable soccer experiences and life-changing opportunities.

The International Development Academy is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Penryn International School from South Africa.

This past summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming seven Penryn students to our IDA Valencia campus as part of our Prep Camp program. During their stay, the players experienced our academy’s structure and training methodology firsthand and even had the opportunity to compete in friendly matches against local clubs.

The goal of this partnership is to provide Penryn International School students with a platform to develop as student-athletes, opening doors to international opportunities such as playing for clubs in Europe or pursuing university scholarships in the United States.

“We are delighted with this agreement because it reinforces who we are and what we aspire to be — an educational pathway that empowers student-athletes to access better opportunities and shape their future. We are confident that this partnership will bring great value to Penryn International School, its players, and their families,”

said Fran Albiñana, Partnerships Manager at IDA, who has been closely involved in developing the relationship with the school.

Through this collaboration, Penryn International School will have access to all IDA programs, including College Placement services, as well as participation in international tournaments and experiences organized by the academy.

We look forward to continuing to build this partnership with great enthusiasm and to creating the best possible opportunities for our partners around the world.

The International Development Academy is proud to announce a new partnership with Hybrid Fútbol Academy, led by Coach Clay Silvas.

At just 27 years old, Clay Silvas brings extensive international playing experience across Singapore, the United States, Mexico, and Spain, where he represented the historic club Salamanca CF. With a deep passion for player development, Clay’s mission is to transfer his knowledge and experience to the next generation of athletes. Through individualized training sessions, he focuses on developing each player’s unique strengths and helping them reach their full potential.

Clay founded Hybrid Fútbol Academy with the goal of providing his players with greater exposure and competitive opportunities—just as he once experienced through his own international journey. His vision and commitment to offering meaningful pathways for his players led him to establish this partnership with IDA.

During a recent visit to IDA Valencia, Clay met with Fran Albiñana, Global Partnerships Manager, to learn more about IDA’s structure, training methodology, and global development programs.

We are now proud to officially welcome Hybrid Fútbol Academy as an IDA Partner Academy, gaining full access to IDA’s global platform—including training programs, international experiences, and tournaments.

As part of this collaboration, Hybrid Fútbol Academy will visit IDA Valencia in June, bringing a group of 20 players for a one-week immersive experience. During their stay, players will participate in training sessions, matches against local clubs, and cultural visits to iconic sites in the city—including Mestalla Stadium, home of LaLiga club Valencia CF. This initiative aims to help players learn more about European football culture and gain valuable international exposure.

“We are very excited to welcome Clay and Hybrid Fútbol Academy to the IDA family. Clay’s passion for creating opportunities for his players perfectly aligns with our mission of providing meaningful international pathways for young athletes. We look forward to seeing Hybrid players experience our programs and tournaments and take their development to the next level,” said Fran Albiñana, Global Partnerships Manager at IDA.

We are truly excited about this collaboration and all that lies ahead for Hybrid Fútbol Academy and its talented players.

At just 17 years old, Pablo Loinaz continues to make his mark in Spanish football. A standout graduate of the International Development Academy (IDA) in Valencia, Pablo’s journey is a story of discipline, growth, and determination.

After impressing during his time at IDA, Pablo earned the opportunity to train and compete within the youth setup of Villarreal CF, one of Spain’s top La Liga academies renowned for developing elite talent. His performances and consistency on the pitch have led to a renewal with Villarreal CF’s U19 team, where he continues to grow under the club’s professional structure.

A technically sharp midfielder known for his composure, game intelligence, and leadership qualities, Pablo has become a model example of what’s possible for players following IDA’s European development pathway.

“Playing at Villarreal CF is a dream come true,” Pablo shared. “IDA gave me the foundation to adapt quickly to the intensity and standards of Spanish football.”

As he continues to progress through the academy ranks, Pablo represents both his Puerto Rican roots and the IDA philosophy of turning potential into performance. His journey from IDA Valencia to Villarreal CF is an inspiring reflection of dedication, opportunity, and passion for the game.

At just 17 years old, Eddiel Márquez has already achieved what many young players dream of — representing his country on the international stage. A proud graduate of IDA Valencia, Eddiel’s journey from Puerto Rico to Spain stands as a shining example of dedication, growth, and belief in the process.

Eddiel began his football journey with Puerto Rico Surf SC, where his technical ability and natural goal-scoring instincts quickly stood out. His ambition to test himself against the best led him to IDA Valencia, where he immersed himself in an elite European training environment. Surrounded by like-minded international athletes, he refined his tactical understanding, physical strength, and consistency under top-level coaching.

That commitment soon paid off — after a strong season in Spain, Eddiel earned selection to the Puerto Rico U17 National Team, making a powerful impact in CONCACAF qualifiers. His performances at youth international level drew the attention of scouts from across Spain. Following a standout season with CFA Quart de les Valls U19, where he recorded 28 goals and 12 assists, Eddiel earned a move to CD Castellón U19, competing in Spain’s División de Honor Juvenil — one of the country’s top youth leagues.

Eddiel’s story has come full circle: from IDA Valencia’s fields to national-team appearances and now thriving in one of Spain’s most competitive youth systems. His determination and focus continue to inspire current IDA students, demonstrating the pathway that commitment and opportunity can create.

“Playing in Spain has helped me grow in every way — as a player and as a person,” says Eddiel. “IDA gave me the structure and belief to reach the next level and represent my country.”

Eddiel’s journey highlights IDA’s mission to connect ambition with opportunity — giving players from all over the world a genuine pathway to the professional and international game.

For many families, the youth soccer journey comes with a heavy investment: $10,000–$20,000+ per year on club fees, travel, tournaments, uniforms, private training, and ID clinics. Yet even with that commitment, too many players find themselves stuck — their progress stalls, confidence dips, and the natural response is to add more exposure events.

But here’s the trap: more games and more travel rarely equal more development. Instead, players often fall into a cycle of increased costs, inconsistent coaching, missed training time, and, ultimately, burnout.

The truth? Exposure only works if the player is ready to stand out. Real growth happens in environments where coaching is cohesive, training is daily and intentional, competition is challenging, and life skills are developed alongside soccer.

At IDA, we help families rethink development — moving away from the “more is better” approach and into a pathway where training, competition, and personal growth work together to unlock a player’s potential.

👉 Download the full guide for free now and learn how to break the cycle.

International Development Academy (IDA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Strive Soccer Academy, a leading player development program in Canada. This collaboration aligns perfectly with IDA’s mission to provide ambitious athletes around the world with access to high-performance training, international experiences, and pathways to the next level of competition. Through this agreement, Strive Soccer athletes will now be able to benefit from IDA’s global platform, including programs, tournaments, and experiences designed to challenge and elevate their game.

“At Strive Soccer Academy, our mission is to develop well-rounded athletes through a European training methodology that emphasizes technical skill, tactical intelligence, physical preparation, psychological resilience, and strong character,” mentioned a Strive Soccer Academy director. “This partnership with International Development Academy gives our players unparalleled access to global opportunities and experiences—preparing them to succeed at the next level, both on and off the field.”

“By joining forces with Strive Soccer, IDA reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of talented players worldwide. Together, we will provide Strive athletes with the opportunity to showcase their abilities on international stages, engage in elite development programs, and pursue their dreams with a clear pathway to success both on and off the pitch.” said Fran Albiñana, Global Partnership Manager at the International Development Academy.

At IDA, we believe in more than developing players—we believe in supporting people. Today, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor the courage of our UK General Manager, Ross Weatherstone, who recently shared his personal battle with skin cancer.

A Journey No One Expects

In April 2024, during what began as a routine check-up for a patch of flaky skin, Ross was encouraged to undergo a full body check. That decision, as he has bravely shared, may have saved his life. Doctors discovered an aggressive form of melanoma skin cancer on his right calf. Within weeks, Ross underwent surgery to remove the affected area.

“The tone of the doctor’s voice changed when she saw the mole,” Ross recalled. “It’s something that will stay with me forever. If I hadn’t been checked, my situation could have been life-threatening.”

Further testing also revealed a high-risk freckle near his blind spot during an eye exam—something he continues to be monitored for regularly.

Strength in Family and Football

For Ross, recovery wasn’t just about surgery and medical care. It was about his family—his wife Angela and their daughter Amelie, born only a year before his diagnosis.

“One of the toughest challenges for me was seeing my daughter’s disappointment when I couldn’t play or look after her,” Ross shared. “That was mentally challenging.”

Football, too, played a powerful role in his journey. While stepping away from managerial duties at Binfield FC during his recovery, Ross was overwhelmed by the support of his assistant coaches, players, and the wider football community. Even moments like watching his brother, Simon Weatherstone—first-team coach at Newcastle United—lift the Carabao Cup at Wembley became part of his healing process.

“I felt blessed to be there,” Ross said. “It was just the medicine I needed.”

A Mission of Awareness

Out of this life-changing experience has come a mission that Ross now carries with him every day: raising awareness.

He speaks openly about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure and the importance of protecting both skin and eyes—especially in football, where coaches, players, and referees spend countless hours facing the elements.

“No one wears sunglasses as a coach, yet we’re told to face the sun when we deliver sessions,” Ross explained. “Protecting your eyes and your skin shouldn’t be frowned upon. It should be encouraged.”

Ross is passionate about normalizing these conversations in football environments—from grassroots training pitches to professional academies. For him, it’s not only about personal health, but also about creating a culture where prevention and awareness are prioritized, so others don’t face the same challenges he has.

“Be brave—go and get your moles checked,” Ross urges. “The peace of mind is huge. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone.”

Why We’re Proud at IDA

Ross’s resilience, leadership, and willingness to share his story embody what we strive to teach every player who comes through our academies: that challenges—on or off the field—can be faced with courage, honesty, and strength.

At IDA UK and across all our academies worldwide, we are proud to have Ross leading by example. His story is more than one of survival—it’s one of inspiration. But equally important, it’s now a platform to educate and build awareness—helping coaches, players, and families recognize the importance of early detection, regular checks, and simple protective habits that can save lives.

We are grateful Ross is feeling better, and we stand behind him as he continues to shine a light on this important cause—using his voice not only to lead IDA, but also to protect and inspire the global football community.