For Joel Lucero, football has always been part of his life.

Growing up in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he started playing at just three years old. But like many young athletes in the U.S., his path wasn’t completely linear.

At 11, he stepped away from the game to play American football – only to realize quickly that something was missing.

“I quit midway through the season because I missed football so much,” he says. “And I haven’t left since.”

That decision brought him back to the game – but it was years later, through an IDA camp experience in Spain, that his perspective on football would truly change.

Looking for More

Before attending IDA, Joel’s goal was simple: improve as a player and open doors for the future.

“Whether that was a college in the U.S. or a team in Europe, I just wanted an opportunity,” he explains.

At the time, he wasn’t sure which path was right for him – or even what level he truly belonged at.

That uncertainty is what led him to IDA.

“I saw IDA online and thought it would be a great opportunity to travel and experience Spain.”

A Different Level

Joel arrived expecting a football-focused experience.

What he found was something much deeper.

“I thought it would be strictly football and nothing special,” he says. “But it was so much more than that. The people there really made the experience special.”

On the field, the difference was immediate.

“The level of play in the U.S. is nothing compared to what I experienced at IDA. The drive to play and win was greater than anything I had seen before.”

It wasn’t just the technical level – it was the mentality.

The intensity.
The urgency.
The expectation to compete every day.

A Turning Point in Perspective

For Joel, everything shifted after his first match.

“I think after the first game, my perspective changed on everything,” he says. “Seeing how much drive people had to just play and be better made me realize that I wanted the same thing.”

That moment became a turning point – not just in how he played, but how he approached the game.

“The experience made me realize that no matter what I was doing on the field, it had to be at my best.”

Redefining the Goalkeeper Role

As a goalkeeper, Joel’s biggest transformation came in how he understood his role.

Before IDA, his style was more traditional – reactive and focused on shot-stopping.

“I used to play like a typical American goalkeeper – more passive and strictly a shot stopper.”

That changed quickly.

“IDA showed me there was so much more than that.”

The environment pushed him to become more active, more vocal, and more involved in the game.

His confidence – something he admits he struggled with – was tested daily.

“Whether it was challenging for balls in the air or asking for the ball with my feet, I had to change the way I thought.”

Even communication became part of the development process.

“Not knowing much Spanish and trying to communicate forced me to find new ways to connect with my teammates.”

A Different Mentality

Beyond the technical and tactical side, the biggest change came in Joel’s mindset.

The experience made him more accountable, more driven, and more demanding of himself.

“It made me hungrier as a player,” he says.

“I learned that in training, I need to give everything – even if I’m tired or hurt. And not make excuses if I mess up.”

That shift – from participation to purpose – is what ultimately set him apart.

From Camp to College

What started as a short-term experience quickly became something more.

The exposure, the environment, and the level pushed Joel to put himself out there – and it paid off.

He is now committed to Southern Nazarene University (SNU) in Oklahoma, a D2 program, where he will continue his career at the collegiate level.

“I’m excited to travel, meet new people, and play with teammates I can call family.”

Looking Ahead

As he prepares for this next step, Joel’s focus is clear.

“I want to play as many minutes as I can and continue becoming a better player and a better person.”

But the foundation for that next chapter was built during a short period that changed everything.

More Than a Camp

For Joel, the IDA experience was more than just a trip abroad.

It was perspective.

It was exposure.

It was a shift in mentality.

“It showed me there is so much more to football than what I had been exposed to before,” he says. “It taught me to be as hungry as possible.”

A Message to Other Players

For players considering a similar experience, his advice is simple:

“If you’ve never left the U.S., go for it every time.”

“The way of playing and the way of life in Europe is so different. Leaving the U.S. is a blessing for a growing player.”

“Take as many opportunities as you can – even if they’re not in the U.S.”

This Summer, It Starts with One Decision

Joel’s story is proof that development doesn’t always require long-term commitments.

Sometimes, one experience is enough to change everything.

From Oklahoma to Spain – and now to college soccer – his journey shows how stepping into a new environment, even briefly, can redefine what’s possible.

IDA Summer Programs are designed to give players that opportunity: to train in a professional setting, compete internationally, and understand what the next step truly looks like.

For players willing to step outside their comfort zone, it’s not just a trip.

It’s a starting point. Register now!

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:

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.

At the International Development Academy, we take pride in preparing student-athletes to succeed at the highest level—on and off the field. Yan Diomande is one of the latest examples of that mission in motion. After developing his game with IDA Florida @ DME Academy, the 20-year-old Ivorian forward is now making headlines in La Liga with C.D. Leganés.

A Relentless Rise

Yan’s path to Spain began with standout performances at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, where he quickly became known for his speed, strength, and clinical finishing. In 2023, he exploded onto the national radar—earning recognition from Top Drawer Soccer as one of the top players in the country and claiming the Golden Boot during the UPSL Playoffs after scoring in six straight rounds.

That form carried over to Europe. Since signing with Leganés, Yan has made seven appearances, starting in six of those matches. On Matchday 35, he netted his first La Liga goal—a composed right-footed finish in a crucial 3–2 win over Espanyol. His impact was immediate, earning him a spot in the LaLiga EA Sports Team of the Week. With Leganés locked in a tight relegation battle, Diomande’s timing and influence have proven vital.

Prepared for the Moment

Yan’s success is no accident. It’s the result of years of focused development, consistent competition, and a mindset shaped by the high-performance environment at IDA. From daily training to academic balance and international exposure, IDA helped prepare him for the challenges of professional soccer.

The IDA Mission

At IDA, our goal is to build more than athletes—we build people ready to take on the world. Whether a player’s journey leads to college soccer, professional contracts, or national team opportunities, we provide the structure, support, and resources to get them there.

We’re proud of Yan’s journey and excited to see what’s next. His story is a reminder that when talent meets opportunity, anything is possible.

To apply for the 2025-2026 season or speak to an IDA Advisor, click HERE.

Harwan Al-Zubaidi’s journey from the streets of Yemen to the professional football arenas of Iraq is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the transformative role of the International Development Academy. His story exemplifies how targeted training and exposure can pave the way for young talents to shine on the global stage.

Early Passion and Determination

Born on October 15, 1999, in Sana’a, Yemen, Harwan’s passion for football was evident from a young age. He spent countless hours honing his skills, dreaming of one day playing professionally. His commitment and natural talent soon caught the attention of scouts, leading him to opportunities beyond his homeland.

Transformative Experience at IDA

Seeking to elevate his game, Harwan joined the International Development Academy in the UK and Spain. At IDA, he immersed himself in a rigorous training regimen that emphasized technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and physical conditioning. The academy’s holistic approach ensured that he developed not only as a player but also as an individual.

Reflecting on his time at IDA, Harwan stated, “The experience at IDA was pivotal. The exposure to high-level coaching and competitive matches prepared me for the challenges of professional football.”

Professional Breakthrough

Leveraging the connections and experience gained at IDA, Harwan secured a position with Al-Hala SC in Bahrain, marking the beginning of his professional career. His tenure at the club showcased his defensive prowess and adaptability, further validating the effectiveness of IDA’s development programs.

International Recognition and Recent Endeavors

Harwan’s exceptional performances did not go unnoticed. He earned multiple caps with the Yemen national team, contributing significantly to their defensive lineup.

In the January 2025 transfer window, Harwan joined Al-Zawraa SC, a prominent club in the Iraqi Premier League. This move signifies a new chapter in his career, offering him a platform to further demonstrate his capabilities.

A Testament to IDA’s Mission

Harwan’s journey underscores the mission of the International Development Academy: to nurture and develop players capable of competing at the highest levels. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and striving for excellence.

His story is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and the impact of structured development programs. As he continues to make strides in his professional career, he remains a beacon of inspiration for young athletes worldwide.