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.
Jeremy De Leon’s remarkable journey from the International Development Academy (IDA) to Real Madrid has reached a new pinnacle. Despite joining Real Madrid just earlier this year, Jeremy’s impact has been immediate and profound, capturing the attention of soccer enthusiasts and Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
The Talisman and a Historic Win
Carlo Ancelotti surprised everyone by including Jeremy in the traveling squad for the match against Manchester City in the quarter-finals. This decision was repeated in the semi-finals against Bayern Munich, and Jeremy was present in the final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund crowned Jeremy as a Champions League Champion, marking a significant milestone in his career. Although he was not registered in the competition, he stood out as the ‘talisman’ during the crucial stages of the tournament, contributing to Real Madrid’s success.
A Model of IDA’s Success
Jeremy’s story is a testament to the quality of training and development programs at the International Development Academy. His journey from IDA to Real Madrid serves as an inspiration to aspiring soccer players. With IDA’s guidance and a player’s hard work and dedication, reaching the highest levels of professional soccer is possible
Explore Your Potential at IDA
Inspired by Jeremy De Leon’s journey from IDA to Champions League glory? Reach out to the International Development Academy today to discover how we can support your professional and personal growth in soccer. Click here to speak to an advisor
Jeremy De Leon’s consistent call-ups at Real Madrid are capturing the attention of soccer enthusiasts around the world. Though he joined the team just earlier this year, his impact is already being noticed by none other than Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s Manager. Despite not being eligible to play in the Champions League this season due to registration deadlines, Jeremy’s inclusion in the squad traveling to Munich for the semi final against Bayern speaks volumes about his growing importance to the team.
Carlo Ancelotti Praises Jeremy De Leon
Carlo Ancelotti himself has expressed high regard for Jeremy’s abilities. In a recent press statement, Ancelotti highlighted Jeremy’s exceptional skills and discipline, which have made him a valuable addition to the training sessions. “He brings quality to our training,” Ancelotti noted, praising Jeremy’s professionalism and eagerness to learn.
Jeremy De Leon: A Model of IDA’s Success
This acknowledgment from a renowned coach like Ancelotti not only underscores Jeremy’s skillset but also his potential to rise within one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. For us at the International Development Academy, Jeremy’s story is a perfect illustration of how our training and development programs can develop, mentor and catapult aspiring soccer players. His journey continues to inspire many young players at all our academies, showing them that with hard work and dedication, reaching the heights of professional soccer is within reach.
Explore Your Potential at IDA
Inspired by Jeremy De Leon’s journey from IDA to the global stages of Real Madrid? Reach out to the International Development Academy today to discover how we can support your professional and personal growth in soccer. Click here to speak to an advisor.
In the evolving landscape of US youth soccer, systemic changes, exemplified by recent updates like the MLS Next Academy age bracket changes, can often push players and their families into a place of uncertainty. The system’s priorities, often skewed towards collective interests over individual talent cultivation, force young athletes and their supporters to find their own solutions to developmental hurdles.
Systemic Challenges: Youth soccer’s framework tends to prioritize the business and operational facets over the developmental needs of players, impacting athletes during vital growth periods. This situation ties their progress to the fluctuating dynamics of club philosophies and the competitive scene.
Player’s Dilemma: The system’s quick-win focus can place players who don’t instantly match up to physical or tactical benchmarks at a disadvantage. This reality nudges families toward external training options, engaging in multiple team commitments, and the financial burdens of seeking exposure.
Parent’s Dilemma: Parents are thrust into the role of problem solvers, juggling the financial and temporal investments required for their child’s soccer development with no guaranteed return. They’re also tasked with balancing the academic demands of their athletes, creating a complex web of decision-making that affects not just soccer progression but also family dynamics and educational achievements.
Strategies for Players and Families:
- Personal Development Plans: Define clear developmental objectives and areas for growth.
- Supplemental Training: Emphasize skill enhancement beyond team practices.
- Exposure and Networking: Target participation in developmental-aligned tournaments and showcases.
- Education and Advocacy: Push for a developmental focus within the soccer community, and explore educational settings that accommodate athletic schedules.
Embracing the Residential Academy Model with IDA
Faced with these systemic barriers, an increasing number of families are turning to the residential academy model as a viable alternative. IDA’s residential academy model is distinguished by its immersive environment. Our approach is not just about structured training and holistic support; it’s about living soccer 24/7 in a distraction-free setting where the sport is not just an activity but a way of life. This immersion in soccer culture and constant focus on development is what sets IDA apart:
- Structured and Immersive Training: Our programs are meticulously designed to cover all aspects of soccer development—technical, tactical, physical, and mental, offering an immersive experience that integrates soccer into daily life.
- Direct Exposure: We provide pathways to collegiate and professional networks, ensuring players are seen and considered by those at the next levels of play.
- Holistic Support: Our commitment extends beyond the field to academic achievement and personal growth, preparing athletes for success in all areas of life.
This immersive approach to soccer education allows athletes to dedicate themselves fully to their development, surrounded by a community committed to excellence. Players often overlooked in traditional systems find an environment at IDA that unlocks their potential and propels them to achieve and surpass their goals.
Explore how transitioning to IDA’s immersive residential academy model can redefine your soccer development journey, offering a focused, comprehensive path to success in the dynamic landscape of US youth soccer. Learn more by clicking here.