Residential Academy
A full-time residential program pairing SL Benfica's elite youth development methodology with a fully accredited, college-preparatory US high school education for student-athletes grades 9–12 (ages 13–18).
Full-time residential - August to May full academic year
Boys & Girls grades 9–12
On-campus residency or commuting for families nearby
Private high school education
Program overview
- Year-round training under UEFA-certified Benfica Academy coaches
- A fully accredited, college-preparatory US high school education for grades 9–12 (ages 13–18), in partnership with one of the top private schools in the Tampa Bay area
- On-campus dormitory living with supervised residential life
- Daily meals, nutritional planning, and recovery facilities
- Advanced Placement, Honors and Dual Enrollment courses — 100% graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate
- College placement support including NCAA Division I, II, and III or international pathways
- International student visa support and scholarship opportunities
Campus Life
World-class facilities designed to develop elite athletes and support a thriving student community.
- 6 soccer fields — 4 grass, 2 turf
- 59,000 sq ft wellness and recreation center
- Florida's largest infinity pool
- Full dining hall — breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch included
- Health clinic with on-campus medical care
- Dedicated security — ranked among the safest campuses in America
Private School Education
A private school education. Inside one of the top soccer programs in the US.
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.
Student visa assistance available for international athletes.
Academic levels available
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- Dual Enrollment
- Honors
- College Prep
- ACCESS
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Ready to Explore This Opportunity?
Join the next generation of Benfica talent. Applications are now open for the upcoming academic year.