SANTA CRUZ, CA

SUMMER SOCCER CAMP IN SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA

Experience elite European soccer training — designed for kids ages 5–16 and led by professional coaches from the Benfica Academy in Portugal and UEFA-licensed coaches from Inter Europe Soccer Programs (IESP)

This 1-day soccer training camp brings the world-class methodology of SL Benfica — one of Europe’s top youth academies — to young players across the USA. Whether your child is just starting out or already plays competitively, they’ll receive age-appropriate coaching that focuses on technical development, tactical understanding, and game intelligence.

For players looking to continue their development beyond this camp, there is also an opportunity to apply for an advanced training experience held at the official Benfica Campus in Lisbon, Portugal (Seixal) — a next step toward deeper training and growth.

What Makes Benfica One of the Best

Top in Player Development: Benfica has built one of the most successful youth academies in the world, generating more than €379 million in player transfers since 2015 — more than any other club, including Real Madrid.

Global Impact:  Over 90 players trained at Benfica are now playing in top leagues across nearly 50 countries.

Notable Graduates: Big names like João Félix, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, and Gonçalo Ramos all started at Benfica’s academy.

Academic Excellence: 82 players live and study full-time at the Benfica Academy in Lisbon, with a school success rate of over 95%.

SL Benfica is a world reference in the training of young players.

What Young Athletes Will Gain From the Benfica Training Experience

Elite Coaching From Benfica Academy Staff

Your player will train under Benfica Academy coaches who work full-time with one of Europe’s most effective development systems. These are not visiting staff — they are integrated professionals from the Lisbon academy, equipped to coach by phase of development and align each session with Benfica’s internal methodology.

A Professional-Level Training Environment

Sessions take place on a state-certified, pro-quality pitch selected for its surface, layout, and ability to support high-tempo, position-specific drills and match-intensity play. The field setup allows Benfica coaches to recreate game-like situations in line with the club’s European training standards.

Development Focus Areas

Training is structured around Benfica Academy’s development model, with a focus on refining technical execution under pressure, tactical intelligence by position, decision-making across dynamic phases of play, and advanced game reading in both attacking and defensive transitions. Players are grouped by stage of development to ensure clarity, competitive intensity, and progression aligned with their level.

Training That Matches European Standards

This is not a generic camp model. Each session reflects Benfica’s integrated player development framework — balancing technical precision, tactical clarity, and real-match demands. Players will be coached within a structure designed to prepare them for the expectations of high-level competition and long-term growth.

Mindset for Long-Term Growth

Benfica’s youth system produces technically refined, tactically mature, and mentally resilient players. Your athlete will be trained within that same philosophy: high tempo, controlled risk, efficient decision-making, and a commitment to learning through intensity and repetition. The focus is on long-term progression — not entertainment.

Next Step: Train at the Benfica Academy in Portugal

After completing a Benfica Training Session, players have the option to continue their development at Benfica Campus — the official training ground of SL Benfica.

This advanced program includes training with the same Benfica Academy coaches who work with the club’s youth players, daily sessions with our professional UEFA-licensed coaches, matches against top Portuguese teams, classroom sessions, a visit to the Estádio da Luz, and much more. It’s a full football and cultural experience for young athletes ready to grow in a professional environment.

Secure your spot today. Can’t make it? You’ll get a full refund.