Incoming resident student-athletes and their families were welcomed, two new high-caliber soccer fields were unveiled, and the new co-ed academy was kicked off in June 13 events.
Incoming students of the Benfica Residential Academy, along with their families, visited their future home today (Friday, June 13) at Saint Leo University. Portuguese soccer powerhouse Sport Lisboa e Benfica is establishing its first residential academy in the United States at the university, north of Tampa, FL, and ceremonies today celebrated the partnership between SL Benfica and Saint Leo in this inaugural premier soccer academy.
It was perfect timing for SL Benfica to visit as the club will participate in the first ever FIFA Club World Cup on June 20 in Orlando.
Attending were Rui Costa, president of SL Sport Lisboa e Benfica, as well as other members of the board, academy students and families, Saint Leo University community members, and special guests from throughout Pasco County and the Tampa Bay region.
With the partnership with Saint Leo, Benfica becomes the third elite European club to establish a residential academy in the United States, joining a select group of clubs that value the country as a strategic platform for developing young talent and international expansion. The coed academy will start with about 100 full-time resident athletes (grades 9-12), with a planned capacity to grow to 500 young people. Students are being recruited from across the United States as well as from Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Portugal, and many other countries.
“We will start August 15, and we’ve already had 5,000 inquiries for this program,” said Costa, president of SL Sport Lisboa e Benfica.
All training will follow Benfica's official methodology, recognized worldwide for developing elite players, and will be conducted by coaches trained by the club. “This project represents the fusion of a world-class European soccer methodology with a solid and respected academic structure,” said José Gandarez, vice president of Sport Lisboa e Benfica. “It's not just about training players — it's about forming future leaders.”
Today, the new Benfica Residential Academy students had the opportunity to “kick around” with three Benfica players at the university’s Turf Stadium before moving to the location of two state-of-the-art soccer fields. Construction of the fields is underway, and they will occupy 128,000 square feet of space on the west end of Saint Leo’s campus, across from its Wellness Center off County Road 52 on Wichers Road. University buildings in front of the fields will be renovated to house coaches’ offices and classrooms.
Couto Turf, which has served as the main turf specialist for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, is installing the fields. Funding for the construction was provided by All Kids Moving Forward, a nonprofit organization that promotes sports activity through scholarships for children overcoming medical conditions or financial challenges.
Prior to a ribbon-cutting at the new fields, Ed Narain, chair of the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees, and Costa planted an olive tree in front of the buildings that will house the offices for the academy. The olive tree symbolizes the friendship, hope, and new beginnings of the partnership between Benfica and Saint Leo University.
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School will be the educational partner for the academy, providing courses for the high school-age students as well as its campus for school events, dances, and community service opportunities. The student-athletes will graduate from the top local Catholic high school in Shady Hills, FL.
Remarks from SL Benfica and Saint Leo University leaders followed at the university’s Wellness Center.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Saint Leo University, as we celebrate the official launch of a partnership between Saint Leo University and the Benfica Residential Academy,” Narain said. “We are honored that the club has chosen Saint Leo University as the site of its first residential academy in the United States.”
Narain noted that SL Benfica and Saint Leo have much in common with histories spanning more than 120 years as Benfica was founded in 1904 and Saint Leo was founded in 1889. The two also share similar values, fostering strength of character, community, and integrity.
“And while I know the lions are your rivals, that’s in Portugal,” Narain said.
“Here in the United States, the Lions are your friends,” he added referring to the Saint Leo University Lions. “Benfiquistas [Benfica fans].”
But the SL Benfica Eagles also were represented at today’s festivities. Those gathered at the event received a special treat — two eagles from Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue. An eagle adorns the SL Benfica club’s crest and is its mascot, a symbol of independence, authority, and nobility.
The eagles, Thunder and Bolt, posed for photos with those gathered at the events, thanks to a donation from the town of St. Leo, which helps support the rescue organization.
“I’m honored to be here today to inaugurate this program,” Costa said of the Benfica Residential Academy.
He noted the three Benfica players were on hand to demonstrate excellence for the future students.
“We are proud to be an international example of a company that prioritizes education,” Costa said. The Benfica brand is strong and not only will focus on the athletics, but also the academics, he added.
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School will be the educational partner for the academy, providing courses for the high school-age students as well as its campus for school events, dances, and community service opportunities. The student-athletes will graduate from the top local Catholic high school in Shady Hills, FL.
“Expanding Benfica’s tradition of excellence to the United States is a dream realized,’’ said Ruy Branco, Benfica Residential Academy director. “The outstanding facilities at Saint Leo, including these new fields, will ensure that our student-athletes train and grow in the best possible environment.”
Londyn Foster from Bradenton, FL, will be a sophomore at Benfica Residential Academy. She is a center back, but she also can play anywhere. “I’m looking forward to being on this beautiful campus,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the talent and the atmosphere [of the academy]. It will be good to see everyone working for the same goal.”
The partnership between Benfica Residential Academy and Saint Leo University reinforces the university’s mission to “develop body, mind, and spirit in each student,” said Timothy Johnston, project manager, External Business Operations, for Saint Leo University. “Student-athletes from the USA and around the world will experience a complete experience on our campus, combining sports, study, and human values.”