Train Like a Pro This Winter: Inside IDA’s Global Soccer Training Programs

For soccer players who dream of playing at the next level, winter isn’t downtime; it’s an opportunity. While many teams take a break from training, ambitious athletes use the off-season to refine their skills, gain exposure, and prepare for the months ahead.

At the International Development Academy (IDA), players have access to professional-level training year-round through global soccer programs that take place across top destinations like Spain and the UK.

This winter, IDA’s Short-Term Programs and J-Term Experiences offer players the chance to train like pros, compete internationally, and see what life is like inside a full-time academy.

A Year-Round Soccer Development Pathway

IDA’s mission has always been to provide a comprehensive player development pathway that blends elite soccer training with educational and personal growth opportunities.

Through international academies in Spain, the UK, Italy, and Brazil, IDA gives players access to a consistent methodology, ensuring that every athlete, whether full-time or short-term, trains under the same professional structure.

That consistency is what defines IDA as a leader in global soccer training, offering environments where players can develop, compete, and grow 12 months a year.

Winter in Spain and the UK: Train Where the Game Never Stops

This winter, players can experience the beautiful game at its source through IDA’s Short-Term Programs in Spain.

At IDA Valencia athletes step into the heart of Spanish football culture. Training sessions focus on technique, speed of play, and tactical decision-making, with players competing in friendlies against local academies while immersed in Spain’s signature possession-based style.

Meanwhile, at IDA UK, players experience a high-performance environment in one of the world’s most competitive soccer cultures. Daily sessions emphasize intensity, physicality, and game intelligence preparing players to think faster, play stronger, and adapt to the fast pace of British football.

Both locations feature:

• Professional-level coaching from UEFA-licensed staff
• World-class facilities and structured daily training
• Competitive matches that test each player’s ability against international opposition
• Cultural and team-building experiences that enrich the overall journey

Together, Spain and the UK create the ideal setting for winter development allowing players to stay sharp, grow their confidence, and gain exposure to two of the most influential football styles in the world.

The J-Term Experience: A Glimpse Into the Pro Environment

For student-athletes looking to maximize their winter break, the IDA J-Term Program offers a focused, immersive training experience.

This short-term program gives players a chance to step into a professional-style routine—complete with daily training, tactical sessions, and competition opportunities—all within IDA’s global framework.

The J-Term serves as a bridge between semesters, allowing players to experience international soccer firsthand without disrupting their academic schedules. It’s the perfect test drive for those considering full-time academy enrollment in the future.

Train This Winter. Grow All Year.

Whether you’re fine-tuning your technique, exploring a global training experience, or preparing for future recruitment opportunities, IDA’s winter programs provide the platform to keep improving year-round.

Don’t let the off-season slow you down and train like a pro with IDA this winter.

Learn more and apply for IDA’s Short-Term Programs:
Short-Term Programs and Events

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.

For ambitious players, the dream of playing college or professional soccer isn’t limited by borders anymore. Around the world, international soccer academies are redefining player development, offering the perfect mix of world-class training, academic excellence, and global opportunity.

At the International Development Academy (IDA), that dream becomes reality. With year-round programs across Spain, the UK, Brazil, and Italy, IDA gives players the chance to train, study, and compete at the highest levels while gaining exposure to college scouts and professional clubs.

What Makes an International Soccer Academy Different?

Unlike traditional club or high-school programs, an international soccer academy provides a fully immersive environment built around development, on and off the pitch.

Players train daily with UEFA-licensed coaches, compete against elite academies, and follow personalized performance plans that mirror professional standards. Meanwhile, education partners ensure players continue their studies, making it possible to pursue both athletic and academic goals abroad.

At IDA, this approach means every athlete receives:

• Consistent, professional-level coaching that follows one clear philosophy.
• Full-time training environments designed for technical, tactical, physical, and mental growth.
• Academic support that fits each player’s educational path.

It’s this balance of soccer and schooling that transforms IDA from a training center into a true global soccer academy.

How Global Training Shapes Better Players

Each of IDA’s international locations brings its own unique advantage and that’s what sets global academies apart.

• Spain – At IDA Valencia, players immerse themselves in Spain’s legendary possession-based style of football. Training focuses on technical precision, quick decision-making, and intelligent movement. Through matches against professional academies and access to top-tier facilities, players learn to read the game at speed — the foundation of modern European football.

• United Kingdom – At IDA UK, players experience the intensity, physicality, and tactical awareness that define British soccer. The environment emphasizes resilience, teamwork, and professionalism which are key traits for those aspiring to play at college or professional levels. With fixtures against elite English academies and exposure to a traditional football culture, every training session sharpens both the mind and body for next-level competition.

• Italy – At IDA Rome, the focus is on structure, defensive discipline, and positional understanding which are hallmarks of Italian football. Players benefit from a technical yet tactical approach designed to improve game IQ and situational awareness. Off the pitch, they’re surrounded by the rich history and passion that make Italy one of the most respected football nations in the world.

• Brazil – In partnership with Cruzeiro, IDA Brazil offers players an unmatched chance to experience the birthplace of flair. Training in Brazil combines creativity, improvisation, and rhythm, encouraging athletes to express themselves with confidence and joy. The environment blends world-class coaching with an authentic South American energy, giving players a deeper appreciation for the artistry of the game.

This global exposure helps players understand multiple styles of play, adapt to different opponents, and elevate their game to international standards. It’s not just about getting better, it’s about becoming smarter, more complete athletes.

Building the Pro Pathway

For players who dream big, the pro pathway starts with preparation and exposure. International academies like IDA connect athletes to both.

Through showcase matches, scouting events, and partnerships with professional clubs, IDA players regularly compete in front of college recruiters and academy coaches from around the world. Some graduates move on to NCAA or NAIA programs in the U.S., while others earn professional trials across Europe and beyond.

Every IDA campus follows one unified mission: to give players the resources, environment, and visibility to reach the next level.

More Than Soccer: A Global Life Experience

While technical development is the foundation, life at an international soccer academy offers something even bigger—personal growth.

Living abroad teaches independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Players build friendships with teammates from multiple countries, learn new languages, and gain the confidence to thrive in unfamiliar environments.

It’s an education that extends far beyond the classroom or the field. When players return home, or take the next step in their careers, they bring with them a broader perspective that shapes who they are as people and as athletes.

Your Global Journey Starts with IDA

The world of soccer is bigger, and more connected than ever before. Training with an international soccer academy opens doors to global opportunities, from college scholarships to professional contracts and lifelong friendships.

At IDA, players don’t just train for the next match, they prepare for their future.

Explore IDA’s global academies here.

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.