Our athletes follow a structured, high-performance routine:

• Two football training sessions per day (morning and late afternoon) with UEFA-licensed coaches.

• One gym session daily, focused on strength, mobility, and injury prevention.

• Flexible school schedules, adapted individually so students can train every day. Some days the athletes attend school in the morning, other days in the afternoon — depending on the academic level.

• University students have more varied timetables, and we help organise everything.

• Meals are provided at our canteen with a pre-planned, athlete-focused menu.

• Transportation is handled by the academy for safety and convenience.

• Long-term athletes who join a Portuguese club attend club training in the afternoons.

• Sundays are rest days, and club matches usually take place on weekends.

The daily structure is designed to balance training, education, recovery, and well-being.

Athletes staying at PFA Portugal benefit from a complete, all-inclusive programme designed for high-performance living. This includes:

• Full-board accommodation with nutritious meals

• Daily football and gym training sessions with UEFA-licensed coaches

• 24/7 supervision and a safe, supportive environment

• Training Kit

Players in the Long-Term program also enjoy:

• Flexible academic schedules through our partner schools

• Transportation to school, training sessions, and club activities

• Medical support, physiotherapy access, and injury monitoring

• Nutrition guidance tailored to each athlete’s needs

• Mental coaching sessions and team workshops

• Study rooms and academic support

• Opportunities to trial or train with local Portuguese clubs (long-term programme)

Everything is structured to help athletes grow, perform, and feel at home.

The process begins when families submit a contact form describing the athlete’s age, nationality, background, and goals. Our team then explains how the academy works and which programme may be the best fit.

If the family wishes to move forward, the athlete joins a call with our Head Coach and CEO, Carlos André Oliveira. This conversation helps us understand the athlete’s motivation and ensures that both sides see a good fit.

Once the athlete is approved, we connect the family with our specialised departments — Public Relations for documentation and our Education Department to define the academic pathway, when required. If a visa is needed, we guide the family through the entire process.

Programme fees are paid in full before arrival, and long-term athletes always start with a two-week trial period to confirm that the academy is the right environment before committing to the full season.

Yes — safety is one of our top priorities.

• Aveiro is a very safe and peaceful city, ideal for young athletes.

• Inside the academy, staff are present 24/7, supervising daily activities and ensuring a secure environment.

• We have security systems in place throughout the facilities.

Parents can trust that their children are always monitored and supported.

Aveiro offers high-quality medical care, with access to both public and private healthcare services.

The city’s main hospital is located approximately a 5-minute walk from the academy, ensuring fast access in case of any medical need. In addition to the hospital, Aveiro has multiple clinics, specialists, and diagnostic centres.

At PFA Portugal, athletes are also supported by professional medical staff and health partners, allowing for prompt attention, injury prevention, and continuous monitoring of physical well-being.