Boosting the made in Benfica Youth Development DNA in the US

REPORT

They arrive accompanied by their parents. With the dream of becoming professional footballers, dozens of youngsters of various nationalities are preparing for highly demanding tests in a challenging evaluation camp. We are on the campus of Saint Leo University in Tampa, Florida (United States of America), the site of the Benfica Residential Academy, a pioneering Glorioso project, which we're going to show you. Come along for this report from the Club's media!

On the afternoon of November 15, there is a lot of anticipation, anxiety and desire for the time to come to show off their skills on the pitch. Check-in precedes this moment. After welcoming the 80 athlete/student candidates with the “seal” of the eagles, the moment approaches.

On the pitch, Benfica's coaches, André Ferreira, Carlos Veloso and João Rosmaninho, prepare everything for the first training session. At the Wellness Center of this university, founded in 1889, we meet a lady whose outfit is not deceiving. She wears a Glorioso jersey and jacket. An unconditional Eagles' fan with roots in Alvaiázere, Sandra Carvalho Fontela tells us about her 12-year-old son, Maximiliano, who played for GD Alvaiázere in Portugal for around six months. When they realized this opportunity, it was “said and done”. “Let's see what he can do in the hands of these professionals. His dream is to represent Benfica, and he's even played at Estádio da Luz ,” says Sandra.

His son also loves the eagles. “I really like Benfica. I want to play here because I feel it's a good club and I'll have the best of both worlds: being close to my family and to Benfica,” says Maximiliano, who is ready to have the ball at his feet.

SL Benfica's country manager in the country, Leandro Scabin, explains how the project came about. A Brazilian who immigrated to the United States of America (USA) 10 years ago, he was delighted with the local residential system, which he calls “very strong”.

However, he noticed gaps. “There was a huge deficiency in the fastest-growing sport in the US, which was soccer. As Benfica had the most important methodology in the world, I imagined that if I connected the system to Benfica's methodological capacity, it would be an explosive project. The US has two serious deficiencies: one is the methodology in soccer, and the other is the residential issue, because MLS professional clubs don't have residences,” he stresses. "In the US, the methodological issue is just beginning, there is no established methodology, which is very detrimental to the development of American athletes. The idea was to combine the residential teaching capacity, which is very good, with Benfica's methodology, and the project was born," he reveals.

The students/athletes will live on campus, in specific dormitories run by Benfica Residential Academy, and will study in classrooms organized by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School. Ruy Castelo Branco, director of the Benfica Residential Academy, shares the excitement of the moment. A former footballer with an equally successful spell with the Brazilian beach soccer team, Ruy Castelo Branco tells us that Benfica Residential Academy will “fill a gap in American methodological development.”

"Benfica has one of the best academies in the world, and the players will be exposed to that level of training full-time, two periods a day. That's going to make a big difference. It's very different from the American soccer market," he says.

As the time for the first training session approaches, anticipation is growing for the candidates born between 2006 and 2012. Once they've checked in and donned their Benfica gear, the athletes head out onto the pitch. Once a circle has been formed, coach Carlos Veloso introduces the other coaches and explains that he coached António Silva and João Neves, among others, before they joined the Eagles' first team. It's a good incentive for these youngsters, who are eager to make their way to glory.

“In these sessions, you'll be Benfica players, we're here to push you, press you and make you better,” adds João Rosmaninho. Having remembered the rule about tucking your jersey into your shorts, it's time to enjoy and have fun with responsibility. “1, 2, 3, Benfica, Benfica, Benfica” is the motto for the preparation!

METHODOLOGY IS A DISTINCTIVE FEATURE

"Our goal is in the methodology. If you want branding, there are plenty of other clubs to buy shirts from. Our focus is to make each student/athlete reach their best version as a student and athlete to reach their maximum potential, and for some the maximum potential will be to play for Benfica. If we can develop the human being before the athlete, it will make it easier for everyone to leave happy. That's what we want, for them to leave better than they came in," says Ruy Castelo Branco.

Since the American market works on a pay-to-play basis, the main innovation of the Benfica Residential Academy involves four pathways, according to Ruy Castelo Branco. The first will, of course, be to reach out to Benfica, while the second is to turn to one of the Eagles' partners in the MLS, such as FC Dallas. "If the player isn't ready to go to Benfica, or isn't old enough, he could play for FC Dallas. FC Dallas itself has North Texas, a team that plays in MLS Next Pro. So, within FC Dallas, there is this other path for the athlete," mentioned Ruy Castelo Branco.

The third way is to go to a university or college where they can play in the NCAA, Division I, II or III. “Here, the athlete can get a good education and continue to develop athletically, something that is normal in the United States. Outside the US, it's not normal for athletes to leave university and end up becoming professionals after graduation,” he adds.

If, in the worst-case scenario, the athlete is unable to follow these paths, there is the fourth and final way: 100% guaranteed admission to Saint Leo University, where he will then pursue an academic career.

With six soccer pitches, the Wellness Center, with “a spectacular infinity pool that ends at the lake”, is another attraction. There are also two futsal courts, and synthetic turf is particularly important in Florida, where it rains a lot at certain times of the year.

"It's something that sets us apart from other academies. When it rains, the clubs around here have to finish training. Having a synthetic turf pitch helps, because our athletes can keep training. When there's lightning and thunder, we have to stop training, but if it's raining, the athletes can continue. We will offer the students/athletes an environment in which they can develop in any of these situations," said the director.

Aiming for 4/6 teams in the first year of activity, the decision of those responsible for the project was not to participate in any league and to have the freedom to travel, nationally and internationally, to compete in various tournaments.

On the pitch, the first training session was completed. Alongside Portuguese coaches André Ferreira, Carlos Veloso and João Rosmaninho, the quartet of local assistants - Airton Caíco, Adriano Laaber, Ricardo Cavalcanti and Gustavo Vasconcelos - also come out to say goodbye. “Good job,” they say.

From the inauguration, the technical coordinators and the main coaching staff will come from the Benfica Campus, and all will be accredited by the Portuguese Football Federation and UEFA. With students/athletes from the 9th to the 12th grade, technical, tactical, physical and psychological analyses will be carried out every year to understand the most appropriate pathway for each candidate.

"Sometimes, the best pathway may not be the professional one. Our goal is for them to receive the best offer to get to college. An athlete who trains with this methodology for four years will most likely be ready to play in the biggest leagues here in the United States, and that's what we call college placement. And this is very important if we want to get the athlete into the best university or college," says Ruy Castelo Branco, who was also a regular presence on the pitch throughout the three days of activities.

Saint Leo University is an open door for academic career advancement, but student-athletes are not obliged to attend. “Saint Leo is a great opportunity because the campus is wonderful. It has our partners, the education is very good,” summarizes Ruy Castelo Branco.

In addition to a new training session, the second day is marked by soccer matches. Despite being in a competitive environment and undergoing assessment, camaraderie prevails. When an athlete suffers a physical ailment and is forced to leave, there is an immediate concern to understand the physical condition of his teammate, who is receiving assistance.

On the pitch, excellent ball control is applauded. “Good touch,” encourages one of the players, whose nationalities are diverse: Americans, Brazilians, Argentinians, Mexicans, Icelanders and Swedes. “We were lucky enough to combine one of the best methodologies in the world with one of the safest and best campuses in the USA, with a school that has a great background,” says Ruy Castelo Branco.

In addition to the men's soccer, there is a big focus on the women's soccer. "The USA has more female athletes than the whole world. More than 50% of female athletes are here. Benfica has a very ambitious plan to build one of the best women's teams in the world in the youth development category, and in the men's as well. We have a plan to build a team to compete here and internationally," explains the director.

At Benfica Residential Academy, the social aspect is not neglected and equality is promoted. "We have a partnership with the All Kids Moving Forward Foundation, a foundation that aims to help children around the world gain access to education combined with sport. Ariana [dos Santos] is an ambassador, and we are lucky to have this foundation supporting us," recalls Ruy Castelo Branco, highlighting the different scholarships. The first is an academic 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.

On the pitch, the challenges provide moments of relaxation and interesting group dynamics: smiles after the intensity on the lawn. On the final day, there's no shortage of these challenges either, which precede lunch and socializing by the pool. "As a first event, I was looking forward to it, and it was better than I expected, in terms of the infrastructure and the soccer on show, as well as the feedback from the Portuguese coaches on the athletes. It was interesting, it was positive," says Ruy Castelo Branco, revealing that there will be new evaluation dates in January and March.

Addressing the athletes, his final message was one of thanks. "It was a fun weekend, very intense in training, and I'm grateful to the Portuguese coaches who passed on the fundamentals of Benfica's methodology. I hope they can be part of the academy. Thank you for believing in the Benfica project," said Ruy Castelo Branco.

Fernando Pinto, director of sports projects for SL Benfica's youth soccer, stresses the educational importance. "Whether you stay in the academy or not, what matters is growing as a player and as a person. I hope you enjoyed it. For us, it's been fantastic to see how much talent there is." And in a circle, all united, we shout: “Benfica, Benfica, Benfica!”

RECRUITING IS THE NEXT CHALLENGE

Leandro Scabin, SL Benfica's country manager in the USA, stresses that the first challenge was to connect the school, the infrastructure capacity, which in the USA is very expensive, with Benfica. After this mission, and with the platform ready, “the next challenge is recruitment”. "We want to have access to the best talent in the US, and outside the US. This recruitment process is time-consuming and will make all the difference to the success of the academy. This was the first moment of recruitment, there were 80 athletes. From what we've seen, some already have the ability to become academy athletes, and between now and August 2025, which is when it starts, there will be the giant challenge of recruiting the best athletes in the USA and some of the best in the world," he said.

KNOWING HOW TO USE TECHNIQUE TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS

Head coach of Benfica's Under-7s, João Rosmaninho joined the Reds 15 seasons ago. He has been working in the international area for around eight years and believes that the level of the players present at this assessment was “good”. "They're good groups to work with. Individually, we have players of very high standard. In terms of the game model, of what we're looking for in Benfica players, they're a little behind, which is normal because our way of working and seeing the game can't be passed on to the player from one day to the next," he said. But that's not why young people should give up. "As they already have a fairly advanced technical level, it's much easier to get through the rest because they'll have weapons to solve the problems we pose during the exercises and games," assures, praising the students' ability to listen.

With the Eagles since 2016, André Ferreira, a coach at Benfica's academy, explains what sets the Eagles apart in terms of training methodology. "A differentiating feature is the part where we use the exercises to improve the athletes' decision-making. We create a lot of problems and, at the same time, give them the tools to solve them in various ways. In training, they experience things that happen in the game, and they have that muscle memory to use in the game, something that comes from training," he stresses.

And if the big difference between European soccer and that played outside the Old Continent is decision-making ability, the Reds' technical flair is an added value. "There's technical ability everywhere, and we get into the ability to use technique to decide the game well. There's always room for progression. In our case, it's a step-by-step job, our methodology is rich in that, and it's almost impossible not to improve to a higher level," he said.

In a moment of evaluation, such as the one we witnessed, we also wanted to know what the main criteria are when it comes to assessing. Carlos Veloso, who has coached Benfica for 18 years, admits that it depends on the age group. However, there are unchanging characteristics. "We pay a lot of attention to physical ability, speed, technical aspects, passing, receiving, ball control, and finishing. Everything is important, from the psychological to the cognitive, but to highlight two characteristics, I would say the physical and the technical."

FRUITFUL EXCHANGE OF KNOWLEDGE

The local coaches, Airton Caíco, Adriano Laaber, Gustavo Vasconcelos and Ricardo Cavalcanti were also important in supporting the Benfica coaches, who traveled from Portugal, and helped run the training sessions, after contacting and training the Portuguese coaches remotely. "It's always very important to get to know new thoughts and ideas. New ways of thinking add a lot," said Adriano Laaber, known as Adrianinho in soccer circles, and with a career spanning 19 years as a professional footballer. Highlighting the dynamics of the training sessions, as well as the “different methodology, which involves a lot of speed on the ball”, the Brazilian coach attributes a high level to the training sessions.

THE ROLE OF THE GOALKEEPER

In a specific position, that of goalkeeper coach, Gustavo Vasconcelos, one of the local experts, highlights “the excellent energy, experience and methodology of the Portuguese coaches”. "The position of goalkeeper has evolved, and you can see Ederson, Benfica's brainchild. In the past, these players didn't play with their feet as much. Nowadays, to be different, you have to know how to play with your feet, initiate the build-up of the attack, the one-on-one, and have the patience to know how to make the right decision,” he stresses, emphasizing the importance of a keeper playing up front as a sweeper.

That's why it's necessary to give players tools from an early age, as we saw in the exercises carried out. Instructions on positioning and how to act were the concern of all the coaches, particularly Gustavo, when it came to the goal. As spokesman for the trio of Portuguese coaches, Carlos Veloso highlights the mutual work and support, essential in the “sharing of knowledge” that made the three days an enriching experience for everyone involved.

"FEEL A BENFICA STYLE TRAINING SESSION"

Always attentive and available to help the coaches and all the young athletes present, Fernando Pinto, director of sports projects for SL Benfica's youth soccer, emphasizes the importance of this first moment on the ground of the Benfica Residential Academy. The parents, who were able to witness the work, were introduced to Benfica's methodology and distinctive way of working. It was “to feel what a Benfica training session is like,” he tells us.

And the intensity was noticeable and highlighted by the athletes and parents we spoke to. But it's not just the intensity of the moment that sets it apart from the rest.

Fernando Pinto explains. "It differentiates the way we look at training, the way we look at each individual kid and their development, looking not only at soccer, but also at the athlete as a whole, apart from them as a person, as a student," he says, without forgetting that the academic aspect “has a strong weight in this project.” “Always having a future, regardless of soccer, is what we want, to have a future with their studies, creating a path beyond sports,” he emphasizes.

With a deep knowledge of the terrain, Fernando Pinto feels that this is another moment in Benfica's international affirmation as a training entity of excellence. “Above all, it's a moment of recognition, in the way the rest of the world looks at us and recognizes the work we do in developing young footballers and what we can contribute to making this happen elsewhere in the world,” he says.

Because of the past and present growth of values made in Benfica Campus, there will be a capacity to attract many athletes to the Benfica Residential Academy.

“We believe that, right from the start, because of what people already know about Benfica and a lot because of the work they will feel is being done and the difference this work will make, we will start to attract more and more young players to the project,” he concludes.

U.S. MARKET AS A PRIORITY

With this project, the bet on the United States market represents the continued expansion of the Benfica brand across borders. Also present, Lourenço Menezes, international business manager of the Benfica International team, addresses the issue. "Benfica has an international strategy for several markets, for many places in the world. Two or three years ago, we started targeting the American market, and today, with the upcoming Club World Cup, and the investment and importance of soccer in the US, it's a priority market," he says, adding that the Benfica Residential Academy is “the first major project with a greenfield presence in the American market.”

"It's a project that tries to look at what soccer is like in the USA with the Benfica model. It's not a copy/paste of other models from other clubs. It's a Benfica model from scratch, adapted to American soccer," he claims. Following the “made in Benfica” methodology in a Benfica Campus model, Lourenço Menezes recalls that “there are many areas of the USA where Benfica has a huge expression with the Portuguese community”. “We also look at that. Benfica has to be a world club, and here we have players from all over the world,” he says.

With Benfica's presence at the Club World Cup, a series of actions are being prepared in the USA linked to the Benfica brand. As such, the Benfica Residential Academy “is another important piece, because it will be relevant,” according to Lourenço Menezes. The conditions at the university, reflected in the excellence of the facilities and the quality of the resources, will allow the work to be carried out similarly to what happens at the Benfica Campus.

"I WANT TO BE A BENFICA FOOTBALLER, IT'S MY DREAM"

The intensity of the training sessions was highlighted to us numerous times by athletes and parents, who were enthusiastic about the way the three days went. With roots in Aveiro, where his grandparents live, Matt Sobreiro visits Portugal every summer. Having been in the USA since he was a child, he prefers not to speak in the language of Camões, although we can see the effort he makes. "I want to be a Benfica footballer, it's my dream! My grandfather is a big Benfica fan, and this is a good opportunity. I dream of stepping on the pitch at Estádio da Luz," he said, just before stepping out onto the pitch for a moment in the game. A fan of João Neves and António Silva, a duo made in Benfica Campus, Matt Sobreiro likes to score and assist. At the age of 17, he never misses an opportunity to follow the Glorioso's matches and thrills to the eagles' triumphs.

THE “RIGHT PLACE” FOR ARIANA DOS SANTOS' GROWTH

With 244,000 followers on Instagram, Ariana dos Santos is not just a social media phenomenon. On the pitch, she's synonymous with quality, as Carlos Veloso, the coach who accompanied the training group that included the 14-year-old Brazilian athlete, can attest. "We know that Ariana already represents the Brazilian national team. I congratulate her on the way she works, but you have to be humble, keep your feet on the ground, and be focused. Becoming a professional is the dream of many children, and this can only be achieved with the right methodology and, above all, with quality and hard work," sums up the experienced coach, who worked with António Silva and João Neves at Benfica's youth level.

“Ariana has to make her own way and accompany football with her studies, which is something Benfica is very keen on,” he said, looking at Ariana, who lives in the USA.

On the pitch, we can see the joy of this young girl who wants to be a professional footballer. In duels with the boys, she never shies away and even gets the better of them at times. "I feel good, with the coaches pushing me, giving me the tools I need to become a professional. This is the right place for that, and I'm glad you're my coach," Ariana says, addressing Carlos Veloso directly, whom she has just heard. “Enthusiastic and expectant,” Ariana dos Santos liked the way the training session went. “We worked on a lot of things, like shooting, passing, how I can improve in various ways,” she says.

When Ariana was younger, Marta, the renowned Brazilian forward, was her inspiration. The youngster tells us that she watched many videos of the Brazilian international. That's how she tried to capture her compatriot's skills and stimulate her creativity on the pitch. Neymar also gives her soccer a boost. When talking about the Glorioso, Ariana immediately mentions one name: João Félix, a product of the Eagles' academy. Goalkeeper Ederson is no stranger to Ariana either. “They've been here, and it's good to play here,” he sums up, with a smile that says it all about the moment he's experiencing.

"I REALLY ENJOYED THE TRAINING, IT'S DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WE DO IN THE USA"

At his daughter's side, after watching her train alongside his wife, as many other fathers have done, David dos Santos can't hide his pride, and you can even see a little sparkle in his eyes when he comes up to talk to us. He admits that she has been training Ariana since she was one year old, even at a time when everything was naturally a joke.

Living in the USA since 2002, he found out about this evaluation camp through his coach Adriano. Given Benfica's “notoriety” and pedigree, he didn't hesitate. "I think it's time for her to make the change, to leave where she is and start working with different coaches, without listening to my voice. I want her to have a different methodology. I think the future will depend on a lot of things, and it will take a bit of luck, humility and hard work," he says.

Admitting that it was difficult to separate his role as father and coach, he had a perfect idea of what the future could be like from the bench if he hadn't known what it takes to work on the pitch. “I really enjoyed the training, it's different from what we do in the US. This is going to be the right place. There's a mixture of professionalism and joking around, and that's necessary because we're working with children,” he says.

Aiming high, Ariana will have to keep her feet on the ground. Carlos Veloso has already warned her about this, and her father agrees. “I've been training her since she was one year old. She has talent, but she has to work hard to improve. The future will depend on her, on the decisions she makes, and we hope she does well.”

A big surprise was in store for the following day. After a talk by Fernando Pinto, director of sports projects for SL Benfica's youth soccer, who introduced the Club to the parents and student-athletes, Ariana dos Santos was called up and given a Benfica jersey, which she promptly put on. That was the moment she became part of the Benfica Residential Academy. "Stay focused, keep loving the game," advised Fernando Pinto. Earlier, in a video message, André Vale, Filipa Patão's assistant coach, welcomed her to the project.

For Ruy Castelo Branco, Ariana dos Santos “is an athlete who validates the product. "She's a great player, her profile is very much in line with ours, she's very humble, very correct and, within this methodology, she's going to grow. She believed in our project and I think it's fantastic that she's with us," points out the director of Benfica Residential Academy.

"INTENSITY, GOOD TRAINING, AND GOOD PEOPLE"

Diego is another example of his love for Benfica. “Intensity, good training and good people,” sums up the athlete born in 2010. "This evaluation camp is very important because we have people with experience and we get the experience of training like professional players," said the striker, whose favorite Benfica player is Di María.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

• Passive recruitment: athletes contact the Benfica Residential Academy and express their intention to join (there are almost 3000 athlete records under analysis);

• Recruitment through international recruiters in several countries;

• Scouting process: finding the best athlete and inviting them.