Inside the Growing Movement of American Players Training in Europe
International Soccer Academy Partners with Girona FC have launched a residential soccer academy in Spain for American players seeking to train and play in Europe. Beginning in August 2026, the program provides a structured pathway within a La Liga club environment for players looking to develop and pursue opportunities in European football.
A new pathway has opened in Spain for American soccer players seeking to train and compete in Europe.
International Soccer Academy (ISA) has announced a partnership with La Liga club Girona FC to launch a residential academy program beginning in August 2026. The initiative offers a select group of players the opportunity to live, train, and compete within a professional Spanish football environment while continuing their personal and athletic development.
At a time when more American players are looking beyond traditional pathways, the demand for authentic European training experiences continues to grow. Spain, known for its technical style of play and tactical sophistication, remains one of the most respected environments for player development in the world.
Girona FC, a club that has rapidly risen in La Liga and recently competed in the UEFA Champions League, represents a modern approach to football development. With a strong emphasis on methodology, structure, and player growth, the Catalan club provides a compelling setting for aspiring players to immerse themselves in the European game.
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to development and to the Club’s international projection,” said Girona FC CEO Ignasi Mas-Bagà. “Offering international players the opportunity to learn about our methodology and to integrate into our sporting environment is a way of extending Girona FC’s values beyond our territory.”
The program will be limited to 22 players, allowing for a highly focused and individualized development experience. Participants will train under a UEFA A or UEFA Pro Licensed Head Coach and compete in matches across Spain, with additional international competition designed to expose players to different styles of play.
“This partnership is about giving players a real understanding of what the European game demands,” said Jan Twete, VP of Global Partnerships at International Soccer Academy. “Girona FC represents a modern football model, and by working together, we are creating an environment where players can develop within a true club setting and experience the daily standards required at this level.”
Unlike traditional short-term trial-based opportunities, the program is structured as a full residential experience, emphasizing daily training, performance evaluation, and long-term development within a professional club environment.
For many players, the timing of such a program is key. The offering is designed for those pursuing a gap year following high school or taking time away from college to focus on their development. Players will also have the option to continue academic coursework through ISA’s partnership with Arizona State University, providing flexibility while training abroad.
“We are proud to partner with Girona FC to provide an authentic pathway for American players to train and play soccer in Europe,” said Diane Scavuzzo, Co-Founder of International Soccer Academy. “For players, this is about more than training—it’s about understanding the rhythm and expectations of the European game and providing a real pathway for talented North American players 18 years of age and older.”
The Shift Toward Professional Pathways Outside the Traditional U.S. System
ISA has steadily expanded its presence across Europe in recent years, building partnerships with clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany and Cádiz CF in Spain. The addition of Girona FC further strengthens its network and reflects a broader shift toward integrated development models that connect players directly to professional environments.
“Our goal is to create a true pathway for American players to train and play in Europe within real club structures,” said Eddie Loewen, Co-Founder of International Soccer Academy. “Each partnership allows players to experience different football cultures while developing within professional systems.”
For players and families navigating the increasingly complex landscape of development pathways, opportunities like this represent a growing alternative to traditional routes. As the global game continues to evolve, so too do the options available to ambitious players willing to step outside their comfort zone.
And for those ready to embrace the challenge, Spain remains one of the most compelling places to do so.