After arriving in Spain through IDA Valencia, American defender Mikal Greene immersed himself in one of the world’s most demanding football cultures, developing on and off the pitch before earning opportunities with CFA Quart de les Valls and, most recently, UD Vall de Uxó.
When Mikal Greene arrived in Valencia, he wasn’t looking for a short-term football experience.
The American center back from Charleston, South Carolina, came to Spain with one goal: to become the best player he could be. What he found was an environment that challenged every aspect of his game and accelerated his development in ways he never imagined.
Through daily training, competitive matches, and complete immersion in Spanish football, Mikal transformed technically, tactically, physically, mentally, and personally. That growth soon translated into opportunities on the pitch, first with CFA Quart de les Valls and now with UD Vall de Uxó, where he continues his football journey.
Looking back, he still remembers exactly what crossed his mind after his very first training session.
“This is exactly where I need to be.”
For Mikal, that moment marked the beginning of a journey that perfectly reflects what the International Development Academy is designed to provide – not simply an opportunity to train in Europe, but a complete development pathway within one of the world’s most competitive football environments.
Growing up in South Carolina, Mikal always knew football was his passion. While the game continues to grow rapidly in the United States, he believed immersing himself in Europe would expose him to a different level of football education.
“Football where I’m from is a big sport, but not as big as football anywhere else,” he explains. “Being surrounded by European coaches and excellent players shaped me into the strong player I am today.”
Having previously experienced IDA during a visit to Spain in 2022, returning to Valencia was an easy decision.
“I was very familiar with the organization, how they run things, the coaches and the players,” he says. “But I knew that if I wanted to improve my game the right way, IDA would help me in ways I wouldn’t be able to help myself.”
His instincts were confirmed immediately.
“My first impression after training with IDA for the first day was nothing short of excitement. I remember saying, ‘This is exactly where I need to be.’”
For Mikal, development wasn’t limited to improving individual skills. Spain changed the way he understood football.
His technical confidence grew, allowing him to become more comfortable in possession and more effective with the ball at his feet.
Tactically, he was introduced to concepts that became second nature through daily coaching sessions.
“I got to learn, listen, and speak with coaches in Spain about formations, pressing timing, team shape in relation to the opposition, when to press, when to drop.”
The physical demands of Spanish football also transformed him. Since joining IDA Valencia, Mikal has added nearly 20 pounds of muscle, making him stronger in duels, more dominant in the air, and better prepared for senior football.
Perhaps the biggest change, however, came mentally.
“The mental side was by far the hardest aspect of the game to evolve,” he says. “Soccer is a mental sport.”
Instead of dwelling on mistakes, he learned to reset immediately.
“When I used to tell myself after a bad pass, ‘That was awful,’ now I’ll say, ‘I’m going to fix that next time.’”
He credits IDA coach Vicente Bosch with helping shape both his mentality and his understanding of the center back position.
“He taught me how to play as a Spanish center back, and how to keep my head level at the same time.”
Moving to Spain also meant adapting to a completely new culture.
Without speaking Spanish before arriving, learning the language quickly became one of the biggest challenges of his journey.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced was by far the language.”
Recognizing both his potential and the obstacles he faced, the coaching staff helped him adjust on and off the field.
“They noticed I didn’t speak Spanish, but had potential, so they started helping me learn.”
Living abroad also required independence, resilience, and maturity.
“Living abroad made me tough and forced me to do things on my own, which I’m thankful for.”
For many international players, these experiences become just as valuable as the football itself.
One of the defining characteristics of the IDA model is that players develop within the Spanish football ecosystem every day. Rather than relying on isolated showcases, opportunities are created through consistent training, competition, and performance.
That was exactly how Mikal’s next step unfolded.
He initially joined the CFA Quart de les Valls B team, but because both squads trained alongside each other, an unexpected opportunity quickly appeared.
One day, Vicente Bosch approached him about training with the first team.
“The. Level. Was. Unreal,” Mikal recalls. “It was like nothing I had ever seen before.”
Rather than feeling intimidated, he embraced the challenge.
“I knew my work was cut out for me, but as long as I could prove I should be there, just maybe they would sign me.”
Within a couple of weeks, they did.
His first season in senior Spanish football became another important milestone – not only because he earned his place, but because his performances started attracting attention from clubs at the next level.
Throughout the season, UD Vall de Uxó head coach José Descalzo regularly attended training sessions, watching his progress.
Eventually, Vicente shared the news.
“‘Descalzo wants you for next year.’”
Mikal continued working, continued improving, and ultimately earned his move to UD Vall de Uxó.
“I was grateful, shocked, and very happy.”
For him, the move represents another step forward.
“It’s a higher division than the last, but there are still so many things I need to learn before I can progress any higher. I have no doubt Vall de Uxó is going to help me continue developing.”
Despite everything he has already accomplished, Mikal believes this is only the beginning.
His goals for the coming season are simple: earn more minutes, contribute more goals, become even stronger physically and mentally, and help his new club compete for the league title.
Long term, his ambitions remain unchanged.
“I hope this opportunity will take me to the highest doors of all. I wish to be playing with the best of the best one day, and I’d say I’m starting on the right track.”
For Mikal, IDA’s impact extended far beyond helping him find a club.
It gave him the environment, support system, and daily challenges needed to accelerate his development.
“IDA was extremely important in helping me get here,” he says. “I wouldn’t have learned Spanish fast enough if it weren’t for IDA. I wouldn’t be this physically strong if it weren’t for IDA. I wouldn’t be enjoying my experience this much if it weren’t for IDA.”
He also believes the Academy’s commitment to helping international players adapt is what makes the experience unique.
“IDA played a big role in opening my door to Spanish football because not only did they continuously help me find teams to trial and play for, but they also helped foreign players who aren’t comfortable with the country yet settle in.”
His advice for players considering the same path is as straightforward as it is powerful.
“Do it. Literally just do it.”
“In the past year and a half in Spain, I’ve learned more than I learned throughout all of my high school soccer years. There are things that Spain – or Europe in general – can give you that the U.S. simply can’t.”
Mikal’s journey is a reminder that meaningful development doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from training in the right environment, embracing new challenges, and committing to continuous growth every single day.
At the International Development Academy, that philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. By combining elite coaching, competitive opportunities, cultural immersion, and a genuine pathway into European football, IDA helps ambitious players develop into confident athletes prepared for the next stage of their careers.
Ready to take your game beyond your comfort zone? Learn more about the International Development Academy and discover how your own journey in European football can begin.
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