SL Benfica is known globally, and for good reason! Our SL Benfica soccer tour is one of the most popular soccer travel programs to Europe we offer. For years, the academy has been identifying and nurturing talents, earning a reputation as having one of the best youth soccer programs in Europe.
In recent years, Benfica have developed and sold on a large number of high-profile soccer players who have gone on to establish themselves as world-class. This stems from rigorous training under top coaches, knowledge sharing, technique development, passion and so much more.
As a coach, or youth soccer player reading this, you will be all too familiar with the prestige of SL Benfica. The Benfica soccer tour could just be your ticket to immerse you in this world first hand. That said, a soccer travel program to Europe comes with many considerations, a lot of planning and collaboration between organization and team. Throughout this blog we will provide you with all the Benfica soccer tour insights you need to help you make an informed decision.
The History of SL Benfica
SL Benfica is an abbreviation of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, although commonly known as Benfica they are a professional club based in Lisbon, Portugal. Competing in the Primeira Liga, the top flight of Portuguese Soccer, they are the current champions.
Benfica was founded on 28th February 1904, they are one of the ‘Big Three’ clubs in Portugal, the others being FC Porto and Sporting CP. Benfica are nicknamed As Águias (The Eagles), for the symbol atop the club’s crest, and Os Encarnados (The Reds), for the shirt color.
Since 2003, they’ve been playing at Estádio da Luz, taking over from the old, bigger stadium from 1954. Benfica’s got the biggest fan base in Portugal and tops European clubs with the most fans back home. They have around 14 million fans all over the place and more than 250,000 people signed up as members, making them the biggest club in Portugal when it comes to membership and the second biggest globally.
SL Benfica’s club anthem ‘Ser Benfiquista’ refers to Benfica supporters who are called ‘Benfiquistas’.
Benfica Soccer Tour: What is Involved?
The Benfica soccer tour offers a complete experience at SL Benfica, a club renowned for its prolific youth academy, producing talents such as Bernardo Silva and João Félix. Participants will undergo training sessions led by SL Benfica coaches at The Benfica Campus, recognized for its exceptional sports development facilities and awarded ‘Best Youth Team of the Year’ in 2022.
This Portugal soccer tour includes scheduled training to enhance skills, matched to the group’s ability, and competitive games against local Portuguese teams. Additionally, the soccer travel program provides a detailed look behind the scenes at the Estádio da Luz stadium, insights into the club’s history at the Cosme Damiao museum, and opportunities to observe SL Benfica’s first and youth teams’ training sessions, subject to their schedules.
Key features of the Benfica soccer tour are:
- Access to top-tier training facilities at Ciaxa Futebol Campus.
- Professionally organized training sessions with SL Benfica coaches.
- Matches against local teams.
- A guided tour of Estadio Da Luz.
- Sightseeing tour of Lisbon.
- Quality hotel accommodation, including half board.
- A dedicated Account Manager for seamless organization.
The Benfica soccer tour is designed to provide an insightful, educational, and hands-on soccer experience at one of Europe’s leading football clubs, tailored for those looking to gain deeper knowledge and first hand exposure to professional soccer training and club history.
Benfica Soccer Tour: Things To Do in Lisbon
For a youth team embarking on the Portugal Soccer Tour, Lisbon presents an array of engaging activities that extend beyond the pitch. Explore the historic Belém district, where you’ll find the iconic Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. No visit to Lisbon is complete without tasting the famous pastéis de nata at the historic Pastéis de Belém bakery.
Stroll through the vibrant Alfama district, with its narrow streets and traditional Fado music venues, offering a glimpse into the heart of Portuguese culture. For a panoramic view of the city, the youth team can take a trip up to the São Jorge Castle, perched atop one of Lisbon’s highest hills.
A trip on one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams provides a fun and authentic way to see the city, including a ride on Tram 28, which winds through many of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Finally, unwind in the expansive Eduardo VII Park, offering a serene escape with stunning views over the city.
These experiences in Lisbon will not only enrich the Benfica Soccer Tour but also leave lasting memories of Portugal’s capital for the young players.
SL Benfica Stadium Tour
The SL Benfica soccer travel program will include a stadium tour of the well renowned Estádio Da Luz. As the largest stadium in Portugal, this is not one to be missed. You will get to step inside the grounds of the 65,000-seater stadium, visit the locker room, press boxes and even walk the lawn.
This magnificent stadium emerged as a centerpiece of an urban renewal initiative aimed at enhancing sports amenities for every Benfica supporter. With its distinctive architecture and the vibrant ambiance it hosts, Benfica Stadium stands out as one of the most renowned stadiums in Europe and symbolizes the fervent love for sports in Portugal.
Are You Ready for the Benfica soccer travel program? Learn more about the SL Benfica soccer tour from Next Generation International.