International Development Academy

Every year, families weigh U.S. college soccer against something more. Here's what the IDA UK University Pathway offers instead: professional-level academy football under UEFA-licensed coaches, 100+ competitive games, and a full University of Hertfordshire degree - with no NCAA amateurism restrictions, a 3-year degree, and U.S. federal loans accepted.

For an 18–22 player who won't choose between football and a future, it's a real option. Inaugural 2027/28 cohort now open →

International Development Academy | UK Soccer Academy Take a soccer gap year at IDA UK for 18–22-year-olds: elite training, competitive matches, academics, and local club trials while living in England.

What can one year in Spain do for your game? 🇪🇸

Just ask Noah Roache.

After a year at IDA Valencia, he’s committed to Columbia College to continue his soccer journey.

📖 Read his story on our blog. Link in bio.

Applications for the 2026-27 season are still open - but not for long. If you’re ready to take your game abroad, now is the time to apply.

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐃 – IDA Valencia Residency 🇪🇸

Mexican left winger Jose Ramón Cortaza 🇲🇽 is Valencia-bound for the 2026/27 Residency season.

Jose joins the IDA Valencia roster as a new addition for the 2026/27 campaign, ready to continue his development in Spain through the IDA Residency experience.

💬 “Looking forward to enjoying and getting the best out of this experience.”

Interested in joining the residency pathway? Visit our website to register your interest.

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, we recognize the opportunities, dreams, and experiences that bring student-athletes from around the world together.

We’re proud to help our student-athletes grow on and off the field while pursuing their academic and athletic goals in the United States.

Wishing our entire IDA community a safe and happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙

IDA JUNE HIGHLIGHTS 🌍
Where development becomes real.

🏆 From DME to the World Cup - Former DME, an IDA Florida partner, academy student-athlete Yan Diomande is representing Côte d'Ivoire at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Player of the Match on his debut. From Florida to the world stage. The pathway is real.

🚨 IDA Combine Delivers: Twice - Hugo Pérez signs with CD Acero (Tercera RFEF) and Sam Botwright signs with UD Vall de Uxó (Tercera RFEF). Two professional contracts generated from the first-ever IDA Combine. This is only the beginning.

☀️ Summer Is Live in Valencia - Players from 16+ nationalities have arrived. First training sessions complete. First matches played vs At. Cabañal. The 2026 IDA Valencia Summer Programs are officially underway.

🏠 Residency 2026/27: Taking Shape - Lucas Koffie (Defensive Midfielder) commits to IDA Valencia. Noah Théo Saint-Dic re-signs for another season. Colin Norton-Garcia (USA 🇺🇸), Nathaniel Garcia (PR/USA 🇵🇷🇺🇸) and Gabriel Rodriguez (PR 🇵🇷) also confirmed. The squad grows.

📚 Develop the Athlete. Educate the Person. - High School · Gap Year · Undergraduate · Masters.
IDA's academic programmes combine world-class football with structured education pathways. The complete student-athlete experience, built for life beyond the game.

📖 From the Blog - IDA Invests in Haiti's New Youth Football League · How Soccer Boarding Schools in Europe Build the Next Generation of Talent · Everett Shoji: From Leukemia Recovery to Spain.
🎯 Summer programs - Players from around the world are already in Valencia. Don't be the one watching from Instagram. June 21 – July 18, Spain & Florida. Boys & Girls | Ages 10–18. Register now.

Ready to start your IDA journey? Summer programs. Full residency. Academic pathways. One conversation starts it all. 🌍

𝐑𝐄-𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃 – IDA Valencia Residency 🇪🇸⚽️

Argentinian winger Agustin Juan Baloira 🇦🇷 will remain with IDA Valencia for the 2026/27 season.

After experiencing the residency program firsthand, Agustin has decided to continue his journey in Valencia for another year of football and personal growth abroad.

Still building 🇪🇸

Discover more about the IDA Valencia Residency pathway by visiting our website and connecting with an IDA Advisor.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃 – Valencia Elite Performance Program 🇪🇸⚽

American winger Haziel Rodriguez 🇺🇸 is joining us in Valencia for the Elite Performance Program this summer.

Currently playing for Jefferson University, Haziel will use the program to stay sharp and continue refining his game ahead of the upcoming college season.

With an intensive, professional training environment and high-level competition, he’ll be getting the ideal preparation for the challenges ahead.

Play the Summer that Matters.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃 – Valencia Elite Performance Program 🇪🇸⚽

Chinese winger Ray Chow 🇨🇳 will spend his summer in Valencia as part of the Elite Performance Program.

A teammate of William in Beijing, Ray has enjoyed plenty of success throughout his youth career. After overcoming a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, he’s eager to get back on the pitch and continue pushing his game forward in a high-performance European environment.

Play the Summer that Matters.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃 – Valencia Elite Performance Program 🇪🇸⚽

Chinese midfielder/winger William Farkas 🇨🇳 is joining us in Valencia for the Elite Performance Program this summer.

Currently playing at a strong level in Beijing, William will use this experience to test himself in a European football environment, continue his development, and move closer to his ambition of playing at least semi-professional football in the future.

Play the Summer that Matters.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃 – Valencia Elite Performance Program 🇪🇸⚽

American winger Samir Hefny 🇺🇸 is joining us in Valencia for the Elite Performance Program this summer.

Samir will take part in both blocks of the program, embracing an intensive training environment as he continues to develop his game. One of the younger players in the group, he's ready for the challenge and eager to make the most of the experience.

Play the Summer that Matters.