PROGRAMS
European Soccer Connection offers athletes and teams unprecedented access to one of the worlds best countries for soccer development - Portugal! Our relationships with Portuguese professional clubs, their coaches, and technical directors allow for us to place players directly into the club team environment. While allowing us to create a memorable experience for teams looking to play abroad.
Take your game to the next level, experience the intensity and excitement of Portuguese soccer.
All of our programs include full room & board in our private Portuguese villa!
Training with world class coaches in professional Portuguese soccer facilities.
Compete against top European talent.
Stay in comfortable accommodations near the practice facilities.
We offer extensive support to ensure your trip allows you the opportunity to achieve your goals.
EUROPEAN PRO CLUB TRAINING
Our total immersion program for youth and experienced players, gives players the opportunity to experience world class training while living in Portugal.
Players are placed into an academy team within a Professional Portuguese club, where they train within the Portuguese development model and compete with other academy players. Train with teams such as SC Braga, Rio Ave, Moreirense, Famalicao.
Learn more about how you can take advantage of this training opportunity.
14 - 180 + days
Between €1700 - €2000
Ages 12 - 19
PRO TRIALS
Pro Trials offer soccer players the opportunity to tryout for a professional Portuguese club. Each player is taken to training within the Portuguese club's own training sessions where they are evaluated by the clubs coaches.
See if you have what it takes to compete on a European level.
7 - 30 days
Starting at €700
18+
BENEFITS OF EUROPEAN TRAINING
Not only is Portugal an appealing holiday destination with beautiful weather, excellent beaches and fabulous cultural experiences, it’s also a true footballing European powerhouse. Portugal is home to some of the best clubs in Europe – FC Porto, SL Benfica and Sporting CP – this is your opportunity to experience what they have to offer.
TRAINING IN PORTUGAL
Keeping the ball, being patient, and waiting for your chances are as natural as breathing in Portugal. Players will get accustomed to the high quality of soccer and training that Portugal offers and will be assessed by the club’s coaching staff.
Portugal is known for its innovative approach to player development. One of the most contemporary training approaches in soccer is the so-called “Tactical Periodization.” The Tactical Periodization method was developed by Vitór Frade, lecturer at the Sports University of Porto (Portugal), and it is being applied by the worlds top coaches.
ABOUT PORTUGAL
Portugal is ranked among the safest countries in the world for travel. As with travel anywhere, visitors should always exercise caution. English is widely spoken in Portugal, especially in urban areas. For the most part, you will see English translations on major street signs and tourist destinations.
Many Portuguese people speak English—in most cases, you will be able to communicate with your server or taxi driver without any problem
FACILITIES
Portugal has a wide range of facilities that depend on the region and club. With significant investment over the past decade, players will have the opportunity to play at some of the world best training facilities. Most clubs have multiple training fields including turf and grass.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Stay at our private villa, just 20 minutes from Porto. This quiet and convenient location is minutes from a professional field and a short ride to the beach.
While staying at our Villa will ensure that players get full service of what we have to offer. We also have partners around Portugal if you are looking for a more immersive experience. We work with our clients to find accommodations that is best suited for their budget and experience.
PLAYER EXPERIENCES
Yuaan
Current team: UMSC - 2006 OPDL - Canada - Youth
Where did you train? How was your experience training at that level? I trained at Braga FC. It was a challenging experience because I could not speak to he players because I could not speak Portuguese and they could not speak English. But when the training started I felt comfortable playing and I played well.
How did the experience shape you as a soccer player?
When I came back to Canada I felt like I was the best player here because I did well in Portugal so it should be easier for me to play here. The experience of playing in Portugal definitely boosted my confidence as a soccer player. This experience helped me understand that it is not too hard to compete with the players in Portugal. It helped me understand that playing simple is better and more efficient and benefits the team more. I got better at playing faster with less touches, being aware of my surroundings, dribbling is not always necessary.
What was was it like living in Portugal?
The living conditions were good. The weather is always great. There are nice people. When I went to the local soccer field the players were inclusive of me. The only thing I struggled with living in Portugal was the language barrier but everything else was great.
Yuaan is returning to Portugal for a month in July to prepare for his 2021 season.
