At 18, most players are trying to understand what their next step looks like.
Some stay close to home.
Some follow traditional pathways.
Others choose to step into something unfamiliar — an environment that challenges them both as players and as people.
For Gavin Dick, that meant leaving Scotland and moving to Spain to join the IDA Valencia residency programme.
Less than a year later, that decision has led him to a NCAA Division I scholarship at East Tennessee State University.
“My dad and grandad both played professionally, so it was always around me,” he explains. “From a young age, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
“I wanted to keep progressing, but I wasn’t sure exactly which path to take.”
“After just a week, I knew it was the right place for me,” he says. “The way everything is structured day to day, the training, the schedule — it’s a serious environment.”
“We train every day, on the pitch and in the gym. It’s similar to what professionals do.”
“You have the opportunity to improve every day, but it’s up to you how much you take from it. If you put everything in, you will improve.”
“The people here make a big difference. Coaches, staff, everyone — they support you, and that helps you settle and focus on your football.”
Training is only part of the process. Development also comes from being tested.
“These are some of the best players at my age. It shows you exactly where you need to be.”
“You start to understand the level, the speed of the game, the physical side — and what you need to improve.”
“I felt like I could compete at that level. It’s about being consistent and taking your opportunities.”
Moving to a new country at 18 brings challenges that go far beyond football.
New language.
New culture.
New routines.
For Gavin, that was part of the appeal.
“I didn’t want to stay in the same place my whole life. I wanted to experience something different.”
“You learn how to deal with things yourself. It helps you grow up.”
“You meet people you probably wouldn’t meet otherwise. Different cultures, different personalities — it opens your perspective.”
“It’s not just about improving on the pitch. It’s everything around it as well.”
For Gavin, one of the biggest challenges came early, when an ankle injury kept him out for over a month after a strong pre-season.
“It was frustrating because I felt like I was building momentum.”
But they also become part of the development process.
“The support around me made a big difference. The staff helped me stay focused on recovery and getting back to where I was.”
“It’s part of football. You have to deal with it and move forward.”
While continuing his development in Spain, Gavin began to explore opportunities in U.S. college soccer — something he hadn’t fully considered before.
“Before coming here, I didn’t realise how strong that pathway could be.”
Through IDA, he was able to access:
• Direct contact with college coaches
• Showcase matches in front of recruiters
• Support in building his player profile and highlight video
• Ongoing guidance throughout the recruitment process
“They gave me the resources and contacts I needed, which made the process much clearer.”
“Georgios — IDA Valencia’s general manager — helped me a lot. He encouraged me to explore the option and supported me throughout.”
“It’s a high level, which is what I was looking for. The facilities are excellent and the programme is very professional.”
“Coach Allen has been very clear and positive. It gave me confidence that it’s the right place for me.”
“Mentally, I feel prepared. Now it’s about making sure I arrive in the best physical condition possible.”
“Completing my studies is important as well. It gives you options for the future.”
“It’s changed the way I see things.”
“You grow as a player, but also as a person. You become more independent, more confident, and more open.”
“Go for it.”
“It might feel like a big step, but it’s worth it. It’s helped me a lot, both on and off the pitch.”
What they do with it is up to them.
“There are different routes into football. Whether it’s college in the U.S. or opportunities in Europe, you just have to take your chance and give it everything.”
Gavin’s journey — from Scotland to Spain, and now to NCAA Division I — is the result of a series of decisions.
To step into a new environment.
To commit to daily development.
To embrace challenges on and off the pitch.
At IDA Valencia, those opportunities exist every day.
For players willing to take them, they can lead anywhere.
Still have questions? Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to connect with an IDA representative. We look forward to hearing from you!