Thank you for your interest in our International Football Development Program!

This information will help to explain how we work and why our program offers a very different approach and true professional pathway.

The majority of International Academy’s offer you the ability to live in an Academy environment where you will train and play in an academy league, tournaments or friendlies against local teams.

You will not be registered in the league, nor will you be registered with FIFA. Players who hold an International Passport and are under the age of 18 cannot sign or play with an International Club. This goes against FIFA regulations and is simply not allowed.

If you are under the age of 18 you can only play International if you hold a European Passport or if your parents have legally immigrated to that Country.

You can attend an Academy with a Student Visa that allows you to live and play in an Academy environment, but you cannot play as a local registered player in the league.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BY NOT BEING FIFA REGISTERED INCLUDE:

  • You will have no recorded history of playing which limits your opportunity when you go to progress and have no recognized playing minutes. This is a big deal if you are trying to sign with a Pro Club who wants to know your “club and league” playing history. It is possible that you could get scouted from an Academy but again you cannot sign until 18 or you meet the immigration requirements.

  • You will play with other Academy kids so the quality will be very broad as the system is pay to play not ability based.

  • You will be limited by both the quality of opposition and those players around you. As a rule you will play against other Academy’s or non league teams, The quality can vary considerably as the best local kids are signed to League teams or professional academies.

  • You are not getting the true footballing experience where you are immersed in a Club environment where it is dog eat dog and you fight for your spot. If you are not good enough you don’t play.

These Academy’s offer excellent development and coaching but is that the right path to truly open doors and reach your goal of going Pro?

At IFD, we offer a unique approach for greater opportunities to achieve your goal of turning pro.

  • IFD specializes in developing individuals in all aspects of their game, fixing bad habits, improving good ones, and enhancing game-related movements, technical and tactical abilities, and awareness.

  • Beyond technical skills, IFD ensures tailored physical development for each athlete, recognizing the importance of being in top condition for the physical demands of football.

  • IFD provides in-house nutritionists to work with athletes on their dietary needs, emphasizing the significance of putting on weight and muscle for peak physical condition in professional football.

  • IFD prioritizes mental health and well-being, offering support from a top professional with a background in professional football. This personalized support is crucial for future success.

  • IFD aligns you with a Professional Club, ensuring full immersion in real football culture. No "academy teams" – you go through a trial process, getting signed based on your ability and exposed to top players, coaches, and competition.

  • IFD supports you through the challenging journey to professionalism, emphasizing honesty, hard work, and the need to earn and maintain your spot in a competitive environment.

  • IFD's established relationships with clubs ensure you're well-placed to be noticed and develop, though being in this environment doesn't guarantee a major professional contract.

  • IFD stresses that reaching the highest levels takes time. Players typically start from the 4th to 2nd Division, with opportunities to move internationally. Signing with top clubs within a year, like Porto, is considered unlikely.

    Additionally, IFD provides a great living environment at LIV Porto, where you share an apartment with six players, each on their unique football journey.

SCHENGEN VISA:

It is also important to note that you will require a Visa that allows you to both reside and play in Portugal.

Some countries do not qualify for this Visa so that will be important in your next steps should you proceed.

The process to obtain this Visa requires us to engage a lawyer and you will need to provide various documents and proof of funds to meet the requirements.

This is not difficult but please don’t be disappointed if we cannot assist because your citizenship is not recognized by the Portuguese Government.

WHO DOES REQUIRES A VISA?

WHO DOESN’T
REQUIRE A VISA?

If you are from one of these Schengen Visa exempt countries, please fill in the inquiry form below.

Discuss Your Options with us!

Please fill in the below form so we can arrange a conference call to discuss your eligibility.