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About Us

Benfica Soccer School

Benfica Soccer School, Washington, DC is a partner of S.L. Benfica’s worldwide network of soccer schools. Ranked the best youth system in the world in 2015, S.L. Benfica focuses on developing the best coaching methods, trainings, and community to develop players to their full potential.

Our partnership with S.L. Benfica gives our players and coaches access to the same methods and trainings used in Portugal. Player development is coached and run by residential staff from the S.L. Benfica’s youth coaching cadre and coaches that will assist who are trained and mentored on the Benfica way - including spending time at Benfica’s academy in Lisbon.
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Our player exchange program will also provide DMV youth players the opportunity to travel to Portugal and train with Benfica youth players and coaches, hosted inside Benfica’s academy campus.
After three years of conducting clinics in the area, we are excited to launch a youth club starting in 2019. Based in the DMV, we will have club teams for boy and girl players of all ages.

who we are

Benfica Soccer School, Washington, DC is a part of SL Benfica’s global network of soccer schools.

Benfica Soccer School, Washington, DC is a partner of SL Benfica’s worldwide network of soccer schools. Ranked the best youth system in the world in 2015, SL Benfica focuses on developing the best coaching methods, trainings, and community to develop players to their full potential.

As part of the SL Benfica network, our players and coaches employ the same methods and trainings used in Portugal. Player development is managed by residential staff from the SL Benfica’s youth coaching cadre and assistant coaches who are trained and mentored on the Benfica way - including spending time at Benfica’s academy in Lisbon.

Our club is headquarerted at Gallaudet University, where teams will play their home league games. There are two training locations - in Fairfax, VA, and College Park, MD - and players choose which of these locations will serve as their training location.

After three years of conducting clinics in the area, we are excited to launch a youth club starting in 2019. We will have club teams for boy and girl players of all ages.

For younger players, we have three ‘pre-travel’ programs:

Our “First Steps” program introduces three and four year old players to the game and basic soccer skills through fun games in five week programs that run throughout the year. Learn more [link to First Steps page]

Our “Pequeno” programs for five and six year olds focuses on building individual skills and comfort with the ball, with small sided games on the weekends during the fall and spring. Learn more [link to Pequeno page]

At ages seven and eight, players join “League Benfica,” where they continue to develop their soccer skills and learn to play with teammates on teams that stay together throughout the season. Learn more [link to League Benfica page]

Travel soccer begins at ages 9 and up, and players can try out to play on teams that will compete with other clubs in the region. Learn more [link to Travel page]

Regardless of age, our programs are developed and overseen by our residential coaches from Benfica - including practice sessions and games.

Who We Are

Benfica Academy DC is a world class youth soccer club with training clinics and team programs that cater to various age groups and skill levels. As part of the global network of Benfica Soccer Schools, we will host coaches from SL Benfica’s youth system in Portugal. These resident coaches will train players and assistant coaches to instill the Benfica system and philosophy here in Washington, DC.

where we are

There are two training locations - Fairfax, VA and College Park/Silver Spring, MD. Players choose which of these will serve as their training location. Home league games will be played at Gallaudet University.

what we do

Sessions are high paced and challenging, while always appropriate to the age and skill level of the group. Practices often include multiple teams, with several coaches conducting and overseeing the session. Exercises combine technical skill training and tactical understanding, with a focus on developing ball mastery and the confidence to attack. Training programs are the same used by SL Benfica's academy and designed and overseen by SL Benfica's technical staff in Portugal.

who is it for?

We have programs for players ages 3-18. For younger players (ages 3-7) of all skill levels, we have affordable programs to introduce your child to soccer and help their early development. Starting at U9, players participate in our travel soccer program.

our programs

Our Programs

Exchange Program

As part of the Benfica Soccer School community, travel players have unique opportunites to train abroad — including at Benfica's complex in Portugal.

learn more

Travel Soccer

Boys and girls programs starting at U9. Travel soccer is for players and families looking for a competitive and committed soccer environment.

learn more

Liga Benfica

At ages seven and eight, players join “Liga Benfica,” where they continue to develop their soccer skills and learn to play with teammates.

learn more

Pequenos Craques

Our program for five and six year olds focuses on building individual skills and comfort with the ball.

learn more

First Steps

Our “First Steps” program introduces three and four year old players to the game and basic soccer skills through fun games in five week programs.

learn more
Youth football is a fundamental area for Benfica. The mission is to guarantee the quality of technical training and educational enrichment of players of all age groups.

Benfica Soccer School, Washington DC

Leadership

Regardless of age, our programs are developed and overseen by our residential coaches from Benfica — including practice sessions and games.

director of operations

Pedro braz

USSF B License
B.S. Sociology, Sports Studies, University of New Hampshire

Career Highlights
Head Men's Soccer Coach at Gallaudet University; Formerly 2012-2015 Head Men's Coach at Montgomery College; National Coach of the Year Runner Up(2012), 3x Regional Coach of the Year (2012-2015), 3x Conference Coach of the Year(2012-2015), 2017 Arlington Soccer Association Travel Coach of the Year, Professional player (2007-2012), Four-year starter/Captain for NCAA D1 University of New Hampshire Men's Soccer Team.

Director of Operations

Pedro braz

USSF B License
B.S. Sociology, Sports Studies, University of New Hampshire

Career Highlights
Head Men's Soccer Coach at Gallaudet University; Formerly 2012-2015 Head Men's Coach at Montgomery College; National Coach of the Year Runner Up(2012), 3x Regional Coach of the Year (2012-2015), 3x Conference Coach of the Year(2012-2015), 2017 Arlington Soccer Association Travel Coach of the Year, Professional player (2007-2012), Four-year starter/Captain for NCAA D1 University of New Hampshire Men's Soccer Team.