At the Mas Camarena Resort, just outside Valencia, the first edition of the IDA Pro Combine brought together more than 100 players and over 40 clubs, universities, and agencies from across the football ecosystem.
Across two days and eight matches, the objective was clear:
create a professional environment where players are not just seen – but truly evaluated.
For Óscar Gómez, General Coordinator of the event, the Combine represents something fundamental for IDA:
“It represents a key step in consolidating IDA as a real bridge between talent and opportunities, aligning development, visibility and international projection in one environment.”
The intention behind the event was never ambiguous:
“The main objective was to create real opportunities for players through a competitive and professional environment – and it has clearly been achieved given the interest generated from clubs and universities.”
The Combine was built across two complementary days, each with a clear focus:
“We aimed to adapt the environment to each profile – a first day focused on competitive football, and a second day oriented towards academic and sporting projection.”
This structure allowed players to be evaluated in the way the game actually works:
“It is essential, as players show their real performance in a competitive context – decision-making, tactical behavior and personality.”
The level across the event matched the ambition behind it.
“The level has been very high, with players well prepared both technically and competitively,” Óscar explains.
That impression was echoed by those responsible for making recruitment decisions.
Joe Barber (Keiser University) highlighted what stood out most:
“The technical level is very high, the tactical level is also very good – and those are the qualities we look for when recruiting players from Europe.”
For Yohan Mijailović (Missouri Baptist University), the diversity and opportunity were equally clear:
“There are a lot of interesting players here – from Spain, South America, Asia and even American players – and we already have a couple of guys in the book.”
This was not a passive showcase.
Over the course of the Combine, more than 60 players were identified by clubs, universities or agencies.
For Óscar, that outcome confirms the model:
“It confirms that the event fulfilled its purpose – attracting real talent and creating an environment where that talent can be detected and connected with concrete opportunities.”
From the agency side, decisions were immediate.
Luis Soler (player agent) explained:
“In these 48 hours, watching games from 9AM, we have identified a couple of players we could work with for the following year.”
And from the scholarship pathway, Michael Michailidis (Brusa Sports) emphasized both level and commitment:
“It’s been unbelievable – one of the best combines I’ve been to. The commitment from the players, their dedication to the game, and the level has been superior.”
What defines the IDA Combine is not only what happens on the pitch – but everything built around it.
Through Bcoach Arena, coaches and scouts had access to:
Beyond that, the experience was designed to create real interaction:
“It is key, because it is where relationships, trust and conversations are built – and often lead to real opportunities,” says Óscar.
For Fede Ruiz (Hundra Sports), this was a defining element:
“The networking opportunity was great – to meet coaches, representatives and people within football and build relationships.”
From a talent management perspective, the format itself creates value.
Iñaki Eraña (ElevenUp Sports) pointed directly to that:
“The format of observing players and enjoying multiple matches is extraordinary – not only for agencies like us, but for all coaches who came here.”
And from the university side, Gary Crompton (Bentley University) emphasized the environment:
“The facilities are first class – turf pitches, gym, everything – and it’s a great quality program.”
At the center of everything are the players – performing in an environment where every action matters.
Rubén Dray (MVP Goalkeeper) described the reality of the moment:
“Being in front of all these coaches, it’s a really good chance to impress – especially in the first edition of the IDA Combine.”
Ignacio Ramón (MVP Player) highlighted the environment created around them:
“Really happy to participate in this experience – the care and the treatment all players received has been very good.”
From the coaching side, Luis Jorge Ruiz (IDA coach) reinforced what was visible on the field:
“Players have shown a great attitude, and coaches have been able to see that many are prepared to take the next step.”
And as Luis Manuel Muñoz (IDA staff) added:
“It’s an event where players can show both individual and collective potential – and we’ve seen them enjoy and give 100%.”
The Combine is not defined by a single element, but by the combination of all of them.
“The combination of a real competitive environment, the presence of key stakeholders, and a clear focus on creating real connections – not just visibility,” explains Óscar.
That is where the difference lies.
For players, the message is clear:
“Every action on and off the pitch matters – these opportunities must be approached with a professional mindset and maximum preparation.”
For IDA, this is just the beginning.
“The next step is to continue growing, improving the experience, and expanding the network of clubs and universities.”
The first IDA Pro Combine was not just an event – it was a working model of what player development environments can be.
A place where:
Because when the environment is right, one thing becomes clear: performance speaks – and people are listening.
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