International Studies & Sports Academy

Some players leave a lasting impression on you—not just because of their talent, but because of who they are.

Ticas has always been one of those players for me.

From the very beginning, I could see he had incredible talent. At the same time, he could also be one of the most frustrating players to coach. Not because he didn't care, but because he approached everything with a smile. Every drill became a game, every challenge became something to have fun with. He always tried to make training enjoyable, even when it needed to be serious.

Unfortunately, that sometimes worked against him. Not every coach understood his personality. He was different, and sometimes being different is often misunderstood. But one thing I always knew was that when his coach truly needed him, he was always there.

Like every young athlete, he made mistakes. That's part of growing up. It's part of becoming mature, learning responsibility, and realizing that talent alone isn't enough to reach your goals.

A few months ago, I received a call from Ticas asking for my help.

I knew immediately that this would be a challenge—not only for him, but for me as well. It would require both of us to step outside our comfort zones and commit to something completely new.

When he arrived in Portugal, many people doubted him. Some believed he wouldn't be able to handle the challenge or make the changes that were needed.

But over the course of a month, something incredible happened.

The same people who doubted him began talking about his work ethic, his determination, and the effort he put in every single day. They saw a young man who chose to embrace the process, push through difficult moments, and prove—to himself more than anyone else—that he was capable of changing.

That is something no one can ever take away from him.

Coaching has never been just about creating better football players. It's about helping young people discover what they're capable of when they commit, believe in themselves, and refuse to give up.

Ticas, I'm incredibly proud of the work you put in during your time here. My hope is that this is only the beginning and that you stay on this path throughout the season.

Keep believing. Keep working. Stay humble. The journey is far from over.

Safe travels, kid. I can't wait to see where this next chapter takes you. ❤️⚽

A rewarding coaching experience reminds us why we do what we do. We recently hosted 13-year-old Danny for a solo, two-week intensive training program.Traveling and training alone at that age is a massive obstacle, but Danny's work ethic and desire to learn completely overcame any homesickness. As coaches, working with athletes who possess this level of hunger makes our jobs seamless.Thank you for the trust, Danny—we look forward to seeing your highlight reels soon!Are you looking to eliminate weaknesses in your game? Contact us today to learn more about our intensive individual training programs. Let's unlock your full potential.

Last night, we attended the club’s 50th Anniversary Gala — a special evening celebrating not only football, but also the history, traditions, and culture of the town and community behind the club.

Throughout the night, we learned about the club’s deep cultural roots and the many different activities and sports it offers beyond football. We enjoyed performances from a Portuguese comedian, traditional dancing, and of course Fado — the true heart and soul of Portuguese music.

It was important for the boys to experience more than just soccer and truly enjoy and understand Portuguese culture and community life.

To finish the evening, the team was recognized once again for becoming the first team in club history to achieve promotion to the National Division. It felt like the end of one chapter… but in reality, it is only the beginning as we now prepare for next season.

We still have a few openings available for our 2008 team.

Do you think you have what it takes to compete in the National Division in Portugal?

🔥 TRYOUT ANNOUNCEMENT – 2008 BOYS 🔥

We are now recruiting high-level players (born in 2008) to compete in the 2nd National Division in Portugal 🇵🇹

This opportunity is aimed at serious, committed athletes currently competing at top levels such as MLS Next or ECNL (high level), who are ready to take the next step in their development and challenge themselves in a competitive European environment.

⚽ What we’re looking for:

Strong technical and tactical ability
High intensity and professionalism
Players with ambition to progress to the next level
This is a great opportunity to gain international experience and compete at a high level in Europe.

👉 Limited spots available – apply now!

ElitePlayers

Last Game of the season.
Guard of honor.
Congrats Julius, Nathan and Moses
d.joseph .araujo_08