Benfica Residential Academy, the world’s premier soccer academy located in the Tampa, Florida area brings esteemed SL Benfica’s rich heritage (founded in 1904) and proven training methodologies from Portugal to the United States. This world class residential soccer academy (coeducational, grades 9-12) is located at the state-of-the-art campus of Saint Leo University (founded in 1889) and is dedicated to the development of youth soccer players. Benfica Residential Academy provides a comprehensive and balanced emphasis on both athletic and academic excellence to develop youth soccer players for the highest competitive levels in the world.
The Benfica Residential Academy
mission is to develop youth soccer
players for the highest competitive
levels in the world. This is all supported
by the best proven methodology and
holistic education, embodying Benfica’s
mystique.
To be a global leader in youth soccer
development by providing students with multiple professional and academic pathways.
Ambition, Commitment, Humility,
Solidarity, Eclecticism, Innovation and Determination.
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The goal of Benfica Residential Academy is to guarantee the quality of technical training and educational enrichment of all its players with a focus on integration into the club’s first team while promoting human values such as respect, responsibility, solidarity, justice and tolerance.
SL Benfica’s coaching philosophy adopts a modern approach that prepares youth players for the rigors of top-tier soccer in both domestic and international competition.
Training Excellence: SL Benfica’s proven methodology includes medical support, injury prevention, physical conditioning, and psychological resilience.
Competitive playing schedule of domestic and international tournaments
All players have an individualized development plan that includes nutrition, education, and a social focus on human values so there is always an organized process with long-term individual goals.
Players are challenged to play against stronger opponents throughout training sessions to instill resilience and fortitude in each rising star.
The focus is not exclusively on training but also on education, so the academic performance of every student athlete is monitored and encouraged at all levels.
Elite players are developed in three ways:
> through good coaches and educators to nurture them;
> through strong and sound development methodologies; and
> through technology that tracks nutrition, sleep, injuries
and other important factors.
297-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated security (ranked among the safest campuses in America) and dedicated housekeeping.
Diverse student body with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
In person high school classroom instruction on a university campus with tutors and college mentors.
Six soccer fields including four grass fields and two turf fields.
Innovative Esports Arena equipped with 12 cutting-edge gaming stations.
Dining hall with exceptional service and fresh, innovative cuisine tailored to individual students’ needs. Providing breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, grab-and-go snacks, drinks, and catering.
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Fitness floor (with modern cardio equipment, free weights, machines and a variety of fitness classes for students), multi purpose gymnasium, dance/yoga studio, cycling center, and aquatic center.
Resort style pool (largest infinity pool of any university in Florida) with a volleyball and basketball area, and shallow lounging area.
Health clinic with on-campus medical care and access to counseling and mental health services.
Holistic health services including athletic training, performance psychology and on-campus ministry.
Pool deck with stunning 180-degree Lake Jovita views and barbeque patio area.
Benfica Residential Academy is conveniently located between Downtown Tampa and Orlando and surrounded by world class beaches, modern entertainment venues, major international airports, leading corporations and some of the best and safest cities in the UnitedStates.
Students are provided access to:
Unparalleled recreation opportunities.
Premium internships and career prospects.
Deep history and thriving culture.
Safest places to live in the U.S.
Tampa ranks #6
Most diverse large city in the U.S.
Tampa ranks #7.
Fastest-growing places in the U.S.
Tampa ranks #15.
Best city in Florida for STEM jobs
Tampa ranks #2.
Best big city for jobs in the U.S.
Best state to start a business.
Tampa features an average of 246 days of sunshine each year.
Renowned sights including some of the best beaches in America, UniversaL Studios, Disney World and the Salvador Dali Museum.