At International Development Academy (IDA), international competition is a key pillar of long-term player development. Our partnership with Global Sports Experiences (GSE) and Medeama Sporting Club continues to create meaningful opportunities for players to test themselves on the global stage — and the results speak for themselves.

That vision came to life at Surf Cup International Morocco 2024, where four Medeama players joined the FC United program. Competing against elite opposition from across Europe, Africa, and beyond, the FC United squad made history by becoming the first-ever U19 champions of Surf Cup International Morocco.

Among that title-winning group were Kelvin Nkrumah and David Boison Frimpong — two players whose journeys since the tournament highlight how structured international experiences accelerate growth both on and off the pitch.

Kelvin Nkrumah: From Development Platform to National Team Stage

Following a standout summer with FC United in Morocco, Kelvin Nkrumah has continued his upward development curve. Back in Ghana, he has become a regular presence in Medeama SC’s first team, contributing consistently in top-level domestic competition.

As Medeama SC push for the Ghanaian Premier League title, Kelvin has played an important role despite his young age. His progress has also been recognised internationally, earning multiple call-ups to the Ghana U20 national team.

In November 2025, at just 18 years old, Kelvin reached another major milestone with his first senior Ghana national team call-up — a reflection of both his ability and the growth gained through high-level international competition.

Kelvin’s development embodies IDA’s philosophy: creating environments that challenge players, expose them to new standards, and prepare them for the demands of the professional game.

David Boison Frimpong: Translating Development Into European Performance

Another standout from the same FC United group is David Boison Frimpong, whose pathway has now taken him into European football.

During the 2025 summer transfer window, David joined FC Copenhagen on loan, integrating into the Danish champions’ U19 setup. Since arriving, he has featured consistently in both the Danish U19 league and the UEFA Youth League, making an immediate impact.

With 7 goals in 15 appearances, David’s performances highlight his adaptability, tactical growth, and readiness for elite-level competition.

(more…)

The FC United 2014 Boys competed alongside more than 220 teams from 31 countries, gaining exposure to elite international opposition in a high-level tournament environment designed to challenge players both on and off the pitch.

What Is FC United?

Powered by the same coaching, recruitment, and operational structure behind IDA’s international programs, FC United allows players to test their development in high-performance environments where adaptability, resilience, and growth through challenge are essential.

A Key Moment in the IDA Pathway

While IDA focuses on daily training, individual development, and long-term progression, FC United provides the next step: testing those principles in unfamiliar environments, against diverse playing styles, and under tournament pressure.

Rather than operating as a standalone team, FC United is positioned as a pathway outcome – a bridge between the training ground and the global game.

A Truly International Squad

Bringing together players from different footballing cultures and backgrounds is a core element of the FC United model. Once in Spain, the group was required to quickly adapt – communicating effectively, understanding new teammates, and performing collectively in a competitive setting.

“It was fun to be on a team and hang out with players from around the world,” said Sully, FC United goalkeeper. “I really liked playing against Everton. It was cool to play a pro academy.”

This international mix reflects IDA’s belief that exposure to diversity accelerates development, helping players grow not only as footballers, but as individuals.

Competing on a Global Stage

Each match presented unique tactical and physical challenges, demanding flexibility and resilience from the players. Adapting to different game rhythms, playing styles, and competitive standards is a central component of international player development.

Following the group phase, FC United narrowly missed further progression after a closely contested Silver Quarter Final against Kyalami United (South Africa). While results are always part of competition, the experience provided valuable lessons in teamwork, composure, and performance under pressure.

From a parent perspective, the growth was clear.

“My son truly embraced a new experience in a foreign country with players from all over the world,” said Nik, father of Sully. “He grew immensely in confidence as a player and, most importantly, as a person during our time in Spain at SCI Salou.”

The Surf Cup International Environment

Now in its fifth edition, Surf Cup International Salou has established itself as one of Europe’s most respected youth tournaments. With teams representing six continents, the event offers a unique global setting where players are challenged beyond domestic competition.

For many families, the environment highlights the standards required at the international level.

“After the tournament, and the talent we saw on display, Muhammad decided that he has to do a lot more to keep up with the level of the rest of the continents,” shared Sheriff, Muhammad’s father, from South Africa.

More Than a Tournament Experience

For IDA, participation in events like Surf Cup International Salou goes beyond match results.

Playing in mixed-nationality squads, competing against elite international academies, and experiencing different football cultures are defining elements of the development pathway. These experiences foster independence, confidence, and cultural awareness – qualities that extend far beyond the pitch.

Programs like FC United, delivered in collaboration with Global Sports Experiences (GSE), reflect IDA’s commitment to preparing players for the realities of the global game.

As the pathway continues to evolve, FC United remains a key step for players ready to test themselves on the international stage.

We look forward to building on this experience in 2026.

The Moment the Game Gets Bigger

There is a moment that changes how a young athlete sees the world.

It’s not a trophy.
It’s not a new pair of boots.
It’s the first time they realize the game is bigger than their usual field.

For many players, that moment happens far from home.

Why Experiences Stay Longer Than Things

More and more families are choosing to invest in experiences rather than possessions. Not because experiences are easier or more comfortable – but because they shape perspective.

Things fade.
Experiences stay.

In sport, this is even more true. Training is essential, but development rarely happens only where everything feels familiar. Growth often begins when routines disappear and players are asked to adapt.

International experiences do exactly that.

What Changes When the Environment Changes

Playing abroad means new teammates, new opponents, different styles, different rhythms. It means not understanding everything right away.

Players have to listen more.
Observe more.
Adjust faster.

They learn how to communicate without words. How to stay composed when the game feels unfamiliar. How to compete without relying on habits built at home.

These moments force growth – not because they are comfortable, but because they aren’t.

The Lessons Players Don’t Forget

Ask players what they remember most from international trips, and it’s rarely a scoreline.

They remember exploring a new city.
They remember sharing a locker room with teammates from different countries.
They remember moments when they struggled – and realized they could handle it.

Those experiences shape confidence, independence, and resilience. They change how players see challenges long after the trip is over.

This is why experiences matter.

When Development Is Seen as a Journey

At International Development Academy (IDA), development has always been viewed as a long-term journey, not a checklist.

Training builds the foundation.
Experiences test it.

International exposure, when used thoughtfully, becomes a way for players to apply what they’ve learned in real-world environments — where adaptation, decision-making, and emotional control matter as much as technique.

That philosophy is what allows development to continue beyond the training ground.

International experiences are most powerful when they are part of a long-term development journey – where training provides the foundation and global exposure provides the test.

From Philosophy to Pathway

Within the IDA pathway, international experiences are introduced as a natural next step – a chance for players to take what they’ve learned and test it in new environments.

Within that approach, programs like FC United exist as a natural next step.

FC United brings players together from different countries to form mixed-nationality teams that compete in elite international tournaments. Players meet, connect, and learn on the move – adapting to new teammates, new opponents, and new ways of playing.

It’s not only about showcasing talent. It’s about experience. And about learning what the game feels like when it gets bigger.

A Living Example

That idea came to life last month when FC United competed at Surf Cup International Salou, one of Global Sports Experiences‘ and Europe’s leading youth tournaments.

Facing teams from across the globe, players encountered new playing styles, new expectations, and new challenges every day. The experience demanded adaptability – and rewarded growth.

It was a reminder of what international experiences can offer when they are part of a broader developmental journey.

Why This Matters

Not every athlete needs to travel internationally at every stage. But for those who are ready, these experiences can become turning points.

They don’t just develop better players.
They help develop more prepared people.

Because in the end, the most valuable thing a family or a program can offer a young athlete isn’t comfort.

It’s perspective.