#United States #Tampa #SL Benfica #Rui Costa #Saint Leo University

SL Benfica's New Residential Academy Opens its Doors in Florida

Tampa, Florida - June 14, 2025
In a significant step toward expanding its international reach, SL Benfica, one of the most iconic football clubs in Portugal, has inaugurated its new Residential Academy at Saint Leo University. This event, presided over by Benfica's President Rui Costa, reflects the club's commitment to promoting youth development in the United States, providing avenues for aspiring athletes to combine academic achievements with athletic prowess.

The inauguration ceremony attracted an audience consisting of Benfica board members, families associated with the academy, and local dignitaries from the Tampa Bay area. Notable former academy graduates and current first-team players, including Florentino Luís, Joshua Wynder, and Renato Sanches, were in attendance, underscoring the rich talent development history of Benfica.

The launch of this academy signifies Benfica's dedication to its renowned player development methodology, which has earned it accolades such as the Globe Soccer Award for the Best Academy in the World on two separate occasions. Over the years, the club has groomed numerous football greats, such as Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, João Neves, Gonçalo Ramos, and João Felix.

Benfica's Residential Academy aims to host 100 student-athletes at its inception, with plans to scale up to 500 in the coming years. The training will strictly adhere to Benfica's established training system, which will be overseen by coaches who have been trained in the Benfica method. President Rui Costa expressed his pride during the inauguration, emphasizing the honor to open this academy in the U.S., a territory where Benfica aims to broaden its influence.

Rui Costa stated, "This academy exemplifies a model we firmly believe in, where our players can achieve both sporting excellence and academic development. It represents a vital component of our strategy to expand the Benfica brand internationally and to establish a robust framework for nurturing talent in the Benfica manner."

Edwin Narain, chair of the Saint Leo University board of trustees, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to host the Benfica Residential Academy at our university. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to providing quality opportunities for student-athletes."

Benfica’s expansion initiatives are not limited to Florida. The club boasts a global presence with academies across five continents, including full-fledged operations in Egypt, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and more. Furthermore, they engage in technical partnerships in regions including Dubai, India, and Japan, alongside high-performance youth camps set up worldwide.

In conclusion, the establishment of the new Residential Academy at Saint Leo University is a landmark development for SL Benfica as it seeks to build a strong foundation for the sport in the United States while fostering young talent through education and rigorous training methodologies. As the club continues its journey, it remains committed to developing future stars, one player at a time.