For high school students passionate about soccer who are also driven by academic ambitions, life at Saint Leo University as part of the Benfica Residential Academy offers an exceptional opportunity to excel in both. Through an exclusive partnership, Saint Leo University is the official U.S. home of Sport Lisboa e Benfica’s renowned Residential Academy—the first and only one of its kind in the United States. Combining Benfica’s elite soccer training with a robust academic experience on a college campus, this program is perfectly tailored for students who aspire to pursue their athletic and educational goals at the highest levels.
Benfica Residential Academy at Saint Leo University provides a specialized environment where students, grades 9-12, receive world-class soccer training from Sport Lisboa e Benfica, a club known globally for developing top talent. Student-athletes train daily on Saint Leo’s state-of-the-art fields, including six soccer fields (four grass and two turf), enabling them to refine their skills, develop strategies, and gain endurance. The academy also fosters personal growth, discipline, and teamwork, essential traits for thriving in both sports and academics.
While the academy focuses on advancing soccer skills, Saint Leo's environment complements this with strong academic support. Students attend classes in person through Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, held on campus with access to tutors and college mentors who provide academic guidance. This high school education on a university campus creates a unique setting where Benfica athletes can thrive academically, surrounded by the resources and atmosphere of college life.
The 297-acre Saint Leo campus is designed to promote the development of mind, body, and spirit—a mission shared by both the university and Benfica Academy. The university’s facilities include dedicated residence halls for Benfica Academy students, ensuring a close-knit, focused environment where students can connect, relax, and recharge. Each residence hall offers amenities tailored to student-athletes’ needs, including housekeeping services and a security system ranked among the safest in the country, providing peace of mind to both students and their families.
The students also benefit from Saint Leo's fitness and recreational facilities, including a cutting-edge Esports Arena with 12 advanced gaming stations, offering a space for relaxation and friendly competition beyond the soccer field. This blend of athletic and recreational spaces allows students to balance training and downtime effectively.
Living on Saint Leo’s diverse campus provides Benfica Academy students with an opportunity to engage with peers from all 50 states and over 100 countries. This international atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and exposes student-athletes to a variety of perspectives and cultures, enhancing their social skills and global awareness—essential qualities in the world of sports and beyond.
The campus also organizes numerous activities, student clubs, and cultural events, offering Benfica athletes the chance to explore interests outside of soccer, develop new hobbies, and build friendships that often last a lifetime. This well-rounded campus experience fosters personal growth, teaching students the importance of balancing athletics, academics, and social life.
Saint Leo University’s dining hall offers high-quality, fresh, and innovative cuisine designed with athletes in mind. Benfica Academy students can expect nutritious, balanced meals that support their intense training schedules, with options available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. For students on the go, grab-and-go snacks, drinks, and catering services are also available, ensuring they have access to the nourishment they need to perform at their best.
The partnership between Saint Leo University and Benfica Academy sets up students for future success in multiple avenues. With a college-campus environment, academic support, and professional-level training, student-athletes are exceptionally prepared to explore various career paths, be it as professional soccer players, college athletes, or professionals in other fields. Access to academic advisors and college mentors also makes college application processes smoother, giving students a leg up as they move forward in their academic or athletic pursuits.
The Benfica Residential Academy is more than just a training program—it’s a gateway to personal, athletic, and academic growth. Benfica’s rich legacy and its commitment to developing young athletes are matched by Saint Leo University’s resources and mission. Together, they provide an environment where students can develop discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that will benefit them both on and off the field.
Life at Saint Leo University for students in the Benfica Residential Academy is the perfect blend of academic rigor and athletic excellence. With world-renowned coaching, a safe and engaging campus environment, and dedicated academic support, these student-athletes are empowered to pursue both their soccer dreams and academic goals fully. This program truly embodies the ideal experience for high school athletes who refuse to compromise on either aspect of their futures, providing them with the tools they need to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
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