Benfica Residential Academy® pairs SL Benfica's renowned youth soccer development methodology with accredited private high school education on the beautiful Saint Leo University campus in Florida.
100%
College acceptance rate after graduation
15+
National team players in our rosters
35
Countries represented by players in our international roster
Nestled in Saint Leo, Florida, the 297-acre Saint Leo University campus provides an ideal setting for focused athletic development and rigorous academic pursuit.
A fully accredited, college-preparatory US high school education for grades 9–12 (ages 13–18), delivered in partnership with one of the top private schools in the Tampa Bay area. Students have access to Advanced Placement, Honors and Dual Enrollment courses, earning college credits while still in high school. 100% graduation rate. 100% college acceptance rate.
Professional-grade pitches, strength & conditioning centers, recovery facilities, and video analysis rooms equipped with the latest technology.
Modern dormitory accommodations with supervised living, structured daily routines, nutritional planning, and comprehensive support services.
SL Benfica methodology delivered by certified coaches. Technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development within a competitive environment.
Programs
From immersive residential experiences to focused skill-building sessions, Benfica Residential Academy® offers programs tailored to every stage of a young athlete's journey.
A full-time residential program for grades 9–12. Year-round soccer development integrated with a fully accredited, college-preparatory US high school education.
Immersive program offering prospective students a firsthand look at academy life, training methodology, and campus facilities.
Specialized technical clinics focusing on specific aspects of player development — finishing, positioning, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning.
Seasonal camps during school breaks, combining intensive training with competitive match play and character development activities.
About the Academy
Founded in 1904, SL Benfica stands as one of Europe's most decorated football clubs with 86 trophies, including 38 Portuguese Championships and 2 European Cups. With 290,000 members worldwide, Benfica represents more than a club — it embodies a philosophy of youth development that has produced some of football's greatest talents.
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.
Benfica Residential Academy® brings this proven methodology to the United States, offering student-athletes in grades 9–12 an unparalleled environment for athletic and academic growth.
If you are interested in joining Benfica Residential Academy click here. Our program is coeducational, open to ages 13–18. We accept applications from students all over the world.
We encourage all prospective student athletes to participate in one of our Clinics, Camps or Experience Week. These programs are the best way to immerse yourself in our unique methodology, discover our Academy philosophy, and see what makes us different.
We recruit international student athletes from around the world and provide full support with foreign student visa assistance to ensure a smooth transition to our Academy. Our student athletes proudly represent nations and territories from around the world, such as Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Moldova, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Our Clinics are designed for student athletes who want to push their limits, sharpen their skills, and get a firsthand look at the Academy experience. Intense, challenging, and rewarding, these sessions are perfect for boys and girls ages 12–17 who are serious about improving their performance.
Clinics are offered in specific months of the year, and are weekend programs. Participants stay off campus, and we provide special hotel discounts for families traveling from out of the area.
Click here to check our upcoming clinics
Full time residential student athletes reside on the Saint Leo University campus in dormitories dedicated exclusively to Benfica Residential Academy, providing a safe, immersive, and supportive living environment.
Our Academy is built to open doors for student athletes, offering four distinct pathways after graduation: Professional Opportunities in Europe (subject to FIFA rules and regulations), MLS Development through our technical partners in Major League Soccer, University College Pathways (including NCAA Division I, II, and III programs), and Guaranteed Admission to Saint Leo University, ensuring every graduate has a direct path to higher education.
Our teams compete in two leagues: the N1 League (National 1 League) and the UPSL.
We are proud to support student athletes through three distinct scholarship opportunities: Academic Scholarships awarded based on academic performance and achievement, Athletic Scholarships awarded based on athletic ability and potential, and Commuter Scholarships designed for student athletes who live off campus (in addition to the support Florida residents may receive through Step Up For Students). Scholarship amounts are determined by an evaluation of each student athlete's academic record and athletic level.
Join the next generation of Benfica talent. Applications are now open for the upcoming academic year.
