SL Benfica is home to one of the most prolific youth academies in Europe, producing talents such as Bernardo Silva, Victor Lindelöf, João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Ederson and Renato Sanches. Most notably academy product João Félix sold for a club record fee of €126 million to Atlético Madrid, the fourth-highest fee in transfer history at the time, a statement of the calibre of top players being produced at The Benfica Campus. João Félix and Renato Sanches were both winners of the prestigious ‘Golden Boy’ awards in 2019 and 2016 respectively.
Unlock Unbeatable Youth Soccer Training with Benfica's Youth Program
Train Like the Professionals
A top-class European soccer experience awaits at SL Benfica, with training sessions conducted by professional coaches at the Portuguese club and schedules organised to meet the requirements and ability levels of all groups. Your club will then get to put their newly developed skills to the test by taking on local Portuguese opposition. SL Benfica’s training ground, The Benfica Campus gives young players some of the access to the best sports development facilities in Europe, as demonstrated by being awarded ‘Best Youth Team of the Year’ in 2022 as well as being recognized for their quality of work, development of talents and training methodology previously by the ‘Globe Soccer Awards’.
Go Behind the Scenes
As well as top level coaching from the Primera League club, tour groups receive a behind the scenes tour of the amazing Estádio da Luz stadium, learn the rich history of the club in the Cosme Damiao museum and get the opportunity to watch the first team and youth team train (subject to match and training schedules). This opportunity for your club to live the lives of professional soccer players is not one you want to miss. Why not make your next soccer tour a once-in-a-lifetime development trip to SL Benfica?
``The tour went exceptionally well and I was thoroughly delighted with every aspect of it; there has been nothing but great feedback from all our parents too.``
University College School, Junior Branch
Your SL Benfica Soccer Tour Includes
SL Benfica – The Club
Founded in 1904, Sport Lisboa e Benfica commonly known as Benfica, is a Portuguese sports club based in Lisbon, Portugal. Classed as one of the ‘Big Three’ in Portugal, Benfica have never been relegated from the Primeira Liga, along with rivals Sporting CP and FC Porto. Benfica are nicknamed As Águias (The Eagles), a bird that appears atop the club’s crest. Benfica plays its home games the Estadio da Luz (stadium of Light), the biggest in Portugal with a capacity of almost 65,000. Before each home game at the Estadio da Luz the clubs eagle mascot (Águia Vitória) flies around the stadium and eventually lands on top of the club’s crest without the eagle symbol, completing it.
It was in the 1960’s that Benfica really started to make a name for themselves, led by soccer legend Eusébio, the club would go on to end Real Madrid’s streak of five consecutives European Cups by winning the trophy in ’61 and ’62. In 1965, Eusébio made history by becoming the only player to win the Ballon D’or whilst playing for a Portuguese club. Now, Benfica is the most supported club in Portugal and the European club with the highest percentage of supporters in its own country, they have an estimated 14 million fans worldwide and 250,000 members.
The Training Facilities
Spread over 19 hectares, The Benfica Campus in Seixal is the training ground for first team, reserve teams and youth academy of SL Benfica. There are nine pitches in total (six grass and three artificial), including a main pitch complete with 2,721 seats that is also the home ground of Benfica B. On site there is an 86-room hotel and facilities include over 60 offices and meeting rooms, 28 locker rooms, 5 kit rooms, 2 gymnasiums, a swimming pool and spa and more.
Local Weather
Average highs: Mar 18 | Apr 20 | Jul 28 | Aug 28 | Sep 26
Optional Excursions
The captivating city of Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, entices visitors with its irresistible charm, rich history, and breathtaking beauty. Nestled on the shores of the Tagus River and adorned with colourful tiles, Lisbon is a city that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern allure. Exploring its winding cobblestone streets, travellers will encounter stunning architecture, from the imposing São Jorge Castle to the iconic Belém Tower. The city’s vibrant cultural scene is highlighted by its world-class museums, contemporary art galleries, and bustling markets like the Mercado da Ribeira. Lisbon is also renowned for its magnificent viewpoints, which offer panoramic vistas of the city’s rooftops and the sparkling river. With its mild climate, exquisite cuisine, and warm hospitality, Lisbon beckons travelers to explore its hidden treasures, immerse in its rich maritime history, and embrace its laid-back charm, making it an enticing destination for those seeking a truly memorable and enchanting experience. For soccer enthusiasts, a visit to Lisbon would not be complete without experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of Estádio da Luz, the home stadium of SL Benfica, one of Europe’s most successful and beloved football clubs.
Here is a sample of some additional excursions we can provide.
*Tours are not exclusive and are subject to availability.
Water Parks
Cool down with an optional excursion to a local water park - fun for everyone to fill your downtime on tour.
Theme Parks
Theme Parks are a great way to entertain your groups when they are not training or playing.
City Tours
Explore your surroundings with an educational city tour.
Evening Entertainment
We can arrange evening entertainment with local opportunities such as bowling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Family and Supporters Join the Tour and Add Additional Excursions?
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What Should You Pack for a European Soccer Tour?
As you prepare for your SL Benfica youth soccer tour, it’s important to pack essentials for both training and downtime. Here’s a list of key items to consider:
- Underwear/sports Bras, socks
- Shorts
- Shirts, sweatshirts, sponsor hoodie
- Casual clothes
- Casual shoes, sandals, shin guards, cleats/turf shoes
- Backpack/drawstring bag,
- Athletic tape/bandages, medicine, sun screen,
- Hair brush, toiletries, towel, phone charger
- Rain gear, laundry bag, water bottle
- Team required kit/clothing
- Outlet converter
What Happens if One of Your Players Gets Injured on a Youth Soccer Tour in Spain?
To help protect yourself on an international soccer tour, we always advise purchasing a travel protection plan at the first available opportunity. We offer plans through Travelex Insurance Services, which provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more, including coverage for COVID-19. Please note, to be eligible, travel insurance through Travelex must be purchased within 21 days of the tour’s start date.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Our cancellation policy and refund eligibility for the landed packages within our soccer travel programs to Europe are based on the following:
- 181 days + from departure = full refund minus deposit per person
- 180 to 121 days to departure = full refund minus $595 per person
- 120 to 90 days to departure = 50% refund of the landed package
- 90 to 61 days to departure = 25% refund of the landed package
- 60 or less days to departure = no refund.
