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Saint Leo University Campus

Promotion of Benfica_RA

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Information on Benfica Campus and Made in Benfica

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Pass some historical info about SL Benfica

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Sant Leo Campus Photho
Overview

Benfica Residential Academy, the world’s premier soccer academy located in the Tampa, Florida area brings esteemed SL Benfica’s rich heritage (founded in 1904) and proven training methodologies from Portugal to the United States. This world class residential soccer academy (coeducational, grades 9-12) is located at the state-of-the-art campus of Saint Leo University (founded in 1889) and is dedicated to the development of youth soccer players. Benfica Residential Academy provides a comprehensive and balanced emphasis on both athletic and academic excellence to develop youth soccer players for the highest competitive levels in the world.

YOUTH
SOCCER

Mission

The Benfica Residential Academy
mission is to develop youth soccer
players for the highest competitive
levels in the world. This is all supported
by the best proven methodology and
holistic education, embodying Benfica’s
mystique.

vision

To be a global leader in youth soccer
development by providing students with multiple professional and academic pathways.

values

Ambition, Commitment, Humility,
Solidarity, Eclecticism, Innovation and Determination.

Photo of Joao Neves

High marks

Benfica's logo

50

MILLION
Benfica fans
worldwide
MOST PROFITABLE
CLUB ACADEMY
IN THE WORLD

290

THOUSAND
Benfica official
members

86

TROPHIES
IN IT'S RICH
HISTORY
Benfica Residential Academy Logo
6 SOCCER FIELDS
297 ACRE CAMPUS
59K SQUARE FOOT
WELLNESS CENTER
World Class
soccer training methodology
5 Academic Levels
including Advanced Placement

top5

most international
sudents on campus
and one of the most
diverse campuses
in the
South

100%

High School
graduation rate
College
acceptance rate

The
Eagle
Has
landed

in america

Historical success

Founded in 1904, SL Benfica has won 86 trophies, including 38 Portuguese Championships and 2 European Cups.

Global fanbase

Over 290,000 club members and more than 50 million fans worldwide.

significant investments

More than $700 million invested in players over the past decade alone.

Youth development

Recognized globally, with accolades including the 2022 UEFA Youth League and U20 Intercontinental Youth Cup and named the Best Academy in 2015 and 2019.
the benfica
methodology

The goal of Benfica Residential Academy is to guarantee the quality of technical training and educational enrichment of all its players with a focus on integration into the club’s first team while promoting human values such as respect, responsibility, solidarity, justice and tolerance.

SL Benfica’s coaching philosophy adopts a modern approach that prepares youth players for the rigors of top-tier soccer in both domestic and international competition.

Training Excellence: SL Benfica’s proven methodology includes medical support, injury prevention, physical conditioning, and psychological resilience.

Competitive playing schedule of domestic and international tournaments

advanced player
DEVELOPMENT

All players have an individualized development plan that includes nutrition, education, and a social focus on human values so there is always an organized process with long-term individual goals.

Players are challenged to play against stronger opponents throughout training sessions to instill resilience and fortitude in each rising star.

The focus is not exclusively on training but also on education, so the academic performance of every student athlete is monitored and encouraged at all levels.

Elite players are developed in three ways:

> through good coaches and educators to nurture them;

> through strong and sound development methodologies; and

> through technology that tracks nutrition, sleep, injuries
and other important factors.

#MadeInBenfica

Some of the most famous and recognized soccer players in the world trained at SL Benfica. The Benfica methodology for raising and nurturing talent has world have started and formed many star players including:
Ederson
Manchester city
Bernardo Silva
Manchester city
João Félix
Atlético de Madrid
Rúben Dias
Manchester city
João Cancelo
Manchester city
Victor Lindelöf
Manchester united

and many more

Partnering with Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (one of the top private high schools in the area), Benfica Residential Academy ensures a robust academic curriculum for all student athletes (coeducational, grades 9-12) on the Saint Leo University campus. Highlights include:
100% HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE
Ensuring all students complete their high school education.
100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATE
Preparing students for higher education with career strategies, advisement, and personalized plans.
FIVE ACADEMIC LEVELS
Including Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Honors, College Prep 2, College Prep 1, and ACCESS.
COMPREHENSIVE AP COURSES
Including subjects such as Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, English, European History, Spanish Language, U.S. History, and U.S. Government and Politics.
STUDENT SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS HONOR SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
ON-CAMPUS TUTORS AND COLLEGE STUDENT MENTORS
STUDENT VISA ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Life on
campus
Saint Leo University campus experience:

297-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated security (ranked among the safest campuses in America) and dedicated housekeeping.

Diverse student body with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

In person high school classroom instruction on a university campus with tutors and college mentors.

Six soccer fields including four grass fields and two turf fields.

Innovative Esports Arena equipped with 12 cutting-edge gaming stations.

Dining hall with exceptional service and fresh, innovative cuisine tailored to individual students’ needs. Providing breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, grab-and-go snacks, drinks, and catering.

Saint Leo Campus photo
Health and wellness center photo
Health and
Wellness
59,000 square foot recreational facility

Fitness floor (with modern cardio equipment, free weights, machines and a variety of fitness classes for students), multi purpose gymnasium, dance/yoga studio, cycling center, and aquatic center.

Resort style pool (largest infinity pool of any university in Florida) with a volleyball and basketball area, and shallow lounging area.

Health clinic with on-campus medical care and access to counseling and mental health services.

Holistic health services including athletic training, performance psychology and on-campus ministry.

Pool deck with stunning 180-degree Lake Jovita views and barbeque patio area.

LIving in
tampa bay

Benfica Residential Academy is conveniently located between Downtown Tampa and Orlando and surrounded by world class beaches, modern entertainment venues, major international airports, leading corporations and some of the best and safest cities in the UnitedStates.

Students are provided access to:

Unparalleled recreation opportunities.

Premium internships and career prospects.

Deep history and thriving culture.

what's within
your reach

Safest places to live in the U.S.
Tampa ranks #6

Most diverse large city in the U.S.
Tampa ranks #7.

Fastest-growing places in the U.S.
Tampa ranks #15.

Best city in Florida for STEM jobs
Tampa ranks #2.

Best big city for jobs in the U.S.

Best state to start a business.

Tampa features an average of 246 days of sunshine each year.

Renowned sights including some of the best beaches in America, UniversaL Studios, Disney World and the Salvador Dali Museum.