Saint Leo University to Host 1st Benfica Residential Academy in U.S.

Starting in fall 2025, Saint Leo University will serve as the official home for the first and only Benfica Residential Academy in the United States. Sport Lisboa e Benfica (SL Benfica), an internationally renowned professional soccer club based in Portugal, is expanding its reach to the United States by offering a soccer academy for highly talented high school student-athletes (coeducational, grades 9-12). Students will be recruited from across the United States as well as from Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Portugal, and many other countries around the world.

Benfica Residential Academy will use its own residence hall, athletic fields, and other amenities at Saint Leo University’s campus located just north of Tampa (33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574). Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School will provide course instruction to the high school students at University Campus. Bishop McLaughlin will host the Benfica Residential Academy students on its campus for school events, dances, and community service opportunities, and the student-athletes will graduate from the top local Catholic high school in Shady Hills, FL. There also will be opportunities for Saint Leo University students to work with and volunteer at the academy.

SL Benfica will begin recruiting in the United States and internationally in August of 2024 and welcome its first class of student-athletes one year later. Supported by an estimated 50 million fans worldwide, SL Benfica will look to recruit top student-athletes, who will excel on the field and in the classroom. 

Saint Leo University and SL Benfica also align in their values with both fostering a culture of respect, a focus on education, a pledge of integrity, and a commitment to excellence. 

“Our partnership with Benfica Residential Academy builds upon the university’s mission of helping learners of all ages grow in mind, body, and spirit,” said Ed Dadez, president of Saint Leo University. “Student-athletes from the United States and across the globe will enjoy our beautiful lakefront campus. They will engage in entertaining student activities, partner with student mentors, refuel in our dining facilities, and access other amenities that will add to their experience.”

SL Benfica officials also welcome the opportunity to host a residential academy in the United States.

"The opening of the Benfica Residential Academy in the United States represents a significant milestone in our mission to nurture and develop soccer talent globally,” said Manuel de Brito, SL Benfica’s vice president. “We are excited to bring our proven methodologies and commitment to excellence to young athletes in America, providing them with unparalleled opportunities both on and off the field."

Leandro Scabin, head of the U.S. market for SL Benfica added, “The dream has always been to provide high-performance athletes with quality education in a safe and constructive environment.”        

Those interested in more information about the Benfica Residential Academy as well as registration information can find it at https://www.benficaresidentialacademy.com/. Email info@benficaresidentialacademy.com or call (888) 423-6342 (888-4-BENFICA).