If you are interested in joining the Academy here is the link for our Evaluation Camps (open to ages 12-18) which we recommend for all student athletes. If you are unable to attend one of our Evaluation Camps, you can schedule a phone call to discuss educational options, visa assistance (if required) and available scholarships.
The Evaluation Camp is a three-day challenging, educational and informative experience which we recommend for all student athletes interested in joining our Residential Academy. If you are unable to attend one of our Evaluation Camps, you can schedule a phone call to discuss educational options, visa assistance (if required) and available scholarships.
Yes, we welcome boys and girls (ages 13-18) at Benfica Residential Academy. We also offer Summer and Winter Clinics for boys and girls (ages 6-18).
The Benfica Residential Academy school year runs from August until May. Summer Clinics are run in June and July and the Winter Clinics are run in December and January.
The first pathway is to Europe (subject to FIFA Rules and Regulations). The second pathway is into MLS and one of our technical partners. The third pathway is into a university or college (NCAA, Division I,II or III). The fourth pathway is 100% admission to Saint Leo University after graduation.
Yes, we offer intensive English language courses for international students and can accommodate gap year and fifth year seniors on a case-by-case basis.
The Deposit is 5% if no scholarship provided and 10% if one or more scholarships is provided.
Our teams do not participate in any U.S. based league. The main focus of the Benfica methodology is on the development and exposure of all student athletes. We play in various College ID Camps and other high level domestic and international experiences as well as tournaments abroad, including in Portugal and other high-level soccer countries.
Technical coordinators and primary head coaching staff are from the Benfica Campus in Portugal and are accredited by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and UEFA.
The Evaluation Camp is open to 12-18 year old boys and girls.
Yes, we recruit international student athletes from around the world and offer visa assistance.
Yes, student athletes live on the Saint Leo University campus in dormitories dedicated to the Academy.
Yes, student athletes study on the Saint Leo University campus in classrooms organized by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School. Our student athletes do visit the Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School campus to attend various social and community events.
Yes, we offer three different scholarships. The first is an academic based scholarship. The second is an athletic based scholarship. The third is a commuter-based scholarship which is above and beyond what Florida resident student athletes receive from Step Up For Students. Scholarship amounts depend on the overall profile of each student athlete since we evaluate athletic level as well academic achievement.
The Application Fee is a non-refundable $500 and includes administrative and processing fees (including for visas where applicable).
Tuition for the Fall Semester is due by June 1st. Tuition for the Spring Semester is due by November 1st.
Yes, the Academy provides uniforms and required textbooks and technology for student athletes.
