For João Vitor Guimarães Dalla Villa, football was always part of life growing up in Brazil. Like so many kids there, he grew up dreaming of becoming a professional player – not only because of the game itself, but because of what football can represent for families and futures.
“In Brazil, every kid dreams of becoming a professional footballer,” João says. “Because of that, it’s extremely competitive, and it’s hard to stand out.”
That environment shaped his mentality early. He understood quickly that talent alone would never be enough.
“I needed to be different – mentally strong, confident, and patient.”
Before joining IDA, João’s focus was fully on becoming a professional player. Although he knew college soccer existed in the United States, it wasn’t something he seriously considered at the time.
Now, after more than three years developing inside the IDA Valencia environment, João is preparing for the next chapter of his career at Monroe University in New York.
When the opportunity to join IDA Valencia appeared, João saw it as the right environment to continue developing while staying close to his long-term goals.
“I chose IDA because of the quality of the program and what they could offer me to pursue my dream.”
Arriving in Spain immediately challenged him. The level of competition, the pace of the game, and the quality of the players around him pushed him outside of his comfort zone from day one.
“My first impression was that I needed to give my best every single day,” he explains. “There were a lot of very good players chasing the same goal.”
He also realized quickly how different Spanish football was compared to what he had experienced in Brazil.
The biggest challenge for João was tactical adaptation.
“In Spain, you need quality, but also fast decision-making and tactical understanding.”
As a striker, he learned to better understand the game beyond instinct and individual ability. Knowing when to press, when to keep possession, and when to take risks became an important part of his evolution.
“My game evolved a lot in all aspects,” he says. “By the time I left, I felt like a much more complete player and a smarter footballer overall.”
Still, João believes the biggest growth happened mentally.
Leaving home at just 16 years old forced him to mature quickly and become more independent both on and off the pitch.
“Being far from my family wasn’t easy, but it made me stronger as a player and as a person.”
Beyond training and matches, João says the lifestyle at IDA played a major role in his development.
“I think everything helped – training, coaching, competition – but the main factor was the lifestyle.”
Living abroad gave him structure, routine, and discipline. It also exposed him to different people, cultures, and perspectives that helped shape him outside football.
“I started living like a professional, and that helped me understand what it really takes to achieve my goals.”
At the same time, the experience helped him learn more about himself.
“Living abroad allowed me to meet a lot of different people and learn from all of them. I also learned a lot about who I am and who I want to become.”
After more than three years in Spain, João felt ready for a new challenge. That was when he started seriously exploring the college pathway in the United States.
“I felt like I needed a new challenge to stay strong and continue chasing my dream.”
Through IDA, he connected with an agency that helped guide him through the recruitment process and evaluate different opportunities. João received interest from strong NCAA Division I and Division II programs, but he stayed patient throughout the process.
“I wanted to find the right place, not just any place.”
Eventually, Monroe University stood out.
“They offered everything I was looking for – scholarship, visibility, and a strong environment.”
For João, the location in New York, the competitive level of the program, and the belief shown by the coaching staff made the decision feel right from the beginning.
Now preparing to move to New York, João is excited for another major step in his journey.
“It’s another big change in my life, and I’m ready to compete, improve, and show who I am as a player.”
Looking back, he sees IDA Valencia as a huge part of the pathway that brought him to this point.
“My time at IDA was very important for me to reach this stage. They helped me grow as a player and as a person, gave me exposure, and supported me through the whole process.”
For younger players hoping to follow a similar path, his message is simple:
“Be patient and believe in yourself. Opportunities will come, but when they do, you need to be ready to take them.”
After more than three years of development in Spain, João Villa now takes the next step of his journey at Monroe University – carrying with him the lessons, discipline, and experiences built during his time at IDA Valencia.
From short-term experiences to full-time residency programs, IDA helps players develop in professional environments while creating real opportunities for the future.
Whether your goal is college soccer, the professional game, or simply reaching a higher level, the pathway starts with the right environment.
Applications are now open for all IDA Residency Programs for the 2026/27 season, as well as summer short-term experiences in Spain, Italy, the UK, Brazil, and the United States.
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