This past month, several Phoenix Rising FC Youth teams had the opportunity to travel internationally, gaining valuable experience both on and off the field across Spain, England, and Portugal. These trips are a reflection of our commitment to providing meaningful development opportunities within our pathway and club, exposing players to different styles of play, environments, and cultures.
2010 Girls NL Club Premier: Spain
Our 2010 Girls NL Club Premier team traveled to Spain, where they experienced the game at the highest level both in training and competition.
The group trained at Real Madrid City in Valdebebas, one of the most renowned training facilities in the world, while also touring the complex and seeing firsthand what a professional environment looks like on a daily basis. They competed in Madrid against CD Cobeña before traveling to Barcelona for an additional match.
While in Barcelona, the team trained with RCD Espanyol, including the opportunity to watch the women’s first team train, providing a clear look into the professional pathway. The experience continued with the team attending two professional matches. Espanyol vs. Getafe and Rayo Vallecano vs. Levante, giving the team exposure to the speed and intensity of the professional game in Spain.
Off the field, the group explored both Madrid and Barcelona, including visits to Park Güell and other historic areas, making the trip a well-rounded cultural and developmental experience.
2011 Boys NL Club Premier: England & Wales
Our 2011 Boys NL Club Premier team traveled to England and Wales, combining high-level training, matches, and professional game experiences.
The team completed four training sessions at different locations, including Finch Farm, the training ground of Everton FC. They also played two matches during the trip, continuing their development in an international setting.
In addition, the group attended three professional matches:
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
Preston North End vs. Stoke City
Everton vs. Chelsea
The trip also included a visit to Conwy Castle in Wales, adding a cultural component to the experience and giving players a broader perspective beyond the game.
2010 & 2011 MLS NEXT Homegrown: Portugal (IberCup)
Our 2010 and 2011 MLS NEXT Homegrown teams traveled to Portugal to compete in the IberCup, one of the largest and most prestigious youth tournaments in the world. The event hosts hundreds of teams from across the globe each year, bringing together top academies and providing a truly international competitive environment.
In preparation for the tournament, the teams trained at the facilities of SL Benfica, experiencing another top-level professional environment before competition began.
Competing against high-level opposition, our teams faced academies such as UD Almería, Le Havre AC, and CF Belenenses, along with clubs from France, Spain, England, Portugal, and Nigeria.
The level of competition and diversity of playing styles provided a challenging and valuable experience, continuing to push our players within a global context.
A Global Perspective Within Our Pathway
Experiences like these are an important part of player development. Competing internationally, training in professional environments, and being exposed to different cultures and playing styles all contribute to the growth of our players both on and off the field.
As a club, we remain committed to creating opportunities that align with our development-first approach while preparing players for the next step in their journey, wherever the game may take them.
