Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Bernardo Silva, Rui Costa, and Diogo Jota—are some of the best professional football players of all time. And all of them are from Portugal. The country is proud of its long-standing football tradition, and its achievements in sports are celebrated internationally. If you are dreaming of pursuing a career in professional football, Portugal is definitely the right place to look into and explore the educational programs it has to offer.
International Football Academy de Portugal (IFAPT) is one of the best football academies in the country that welcomes students from all over the world. Being a professional football coach and player, Elvis J. Goes founded it in collaboration with other Portuguese coaches and clubs to create a truly unique place with top-level training and academic programs for future football players. Read on to learn everything you need to know about IFAPT and the opportunities it provides to young talents.
Location
IFAPT is located in Porto, the second-largest city in the country. It is a major urban center that combines modern and historic areas. The city is home to two popular Portuguese clubs, Porto and Boavista.
Being close to professional football clubs, IFAPT creates a rich experience for students where they learn from the best players and coaches in the Portuguese football league. The academy holds training sessions at the Sports Complex of Porto Salvo that belongs to AC Porto Salvo. It offers world-class football facilities.
Programs
The academy offers several programs: academy programs, training program, and educational and football programs.
1. Academy Programs
The main benefit of IFAPT is its complex approach to instruction. It combines training, academics, Portuguese culture, and personal growth. The academy programs include:
- Short Term Program (1-2 months)
- Long Term Program (10 month-3 years)
- Team Training Camps (1-4 weeks)
- Coaches Educational Workshop Program (1-2 weeks)
At IFAPT, you get an option to combine training and academic education. But it is a program for hard-working students. You need to be determined and be ready to study and train a lot. To avoid being completely drained, you can find help with academic assignments by placing an essay order online. Professional writers will do your papers for you, and you’ll have more time to recharge and do things you enjoy, like visiting football matches in Porto.
2. Training Program
The Training Program is aimed at developing a student’s individual skills. It teaches basic competencies and skills that are required of a pro footballer. At IFAPT, it is, of course, the Portuguese tradition of football.
The program gathers top professionals: UEFA coaches, consultants, and certified physiotherapists. It prepares students physically, technically, and tactically. The process takes several stages:
- 8 sessions per week of individual training for each student-athlete;
- Team training with daily club activities;
- Physical training that prepares a player to meet the training demands and prevent injuries;
- Evaluation of players’ performance and satisfaction at every stage of the process to ensure they enjoy their learning experience;
- Tactical training;
- Fitness, including recovering from fatigue, flexibility, and strength training;
- Nutrition and hydration;
- Physiotherapy.
Educational & Football Programs
IFAPT offers student-athletes to take Portuguese language courses. This allows you to learn the language and culture of the country. If it seems like a lot to combine additional courses with training, there are services that provide academic help ranging from essays to custom dissertation writing. Expert writers provide the much-needed academic assistance that is tailored to the individual needs of each student-athlete.
Students from the US or any other country enrolled in American colleges with scholarships can join the US College Soccer Prep Program and Scholarships. Those interested in long-term development as professional football players are free to apply for the student cum football program.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees at IFAPT range from 6500 to 7500 euros per year. The admission fees cost 500 euros. However, you should be aware of additional costs. These could be:
- Fees for visa application or renewal (about $750);
- Player registration (from $500 to $1400 depending on your age and previous registrations, if any);
- Medical costs beyond insurance coverage.
Opportunities and Benefits
- Join a famous Portuguese player development program and become part of elite Portuguese football.
- Get professional football training and pursue college or high school at the same time.
- Follow tested training methodology that encompasses physical, physiological, tactical, and technical aspects.
- Professional football clubs keep an eye on IFAPT. This is the place where you can demonstrate your talent and get scouted.
- Learn from UEFA coaches and licensed consultants. They provide personalized mentorship and continuous guidance based on the analysis of your performance.
- Access semi-pro tryouts organized by IFAPT and its partners.
- Follow a custom diet and fitness program.
- Get to know Portuguese culture, language, and history.
Wrapping Up
IFAPT is one of the best football academies that train the world’s next football stars. Great coaches, facilities, and programs create a unique learning experience that nurtures excellence and success.
