Our Daily Life
A rigorous and demanding routine, where every moment is designed to maximise performance on and off the field.
Our days start early
Our athletes wake up in our residential facilities, designed to provide both comfort and structure. All rooms are double, with options for private or shared bathrooms, creating a balanced environment between independence and team living.
Players head down for breakfast. Meals are designed to fuel performance, ensuring athletes are physically and mentally ready for the day.
7AM
We divide into 2 groups.
While one group trains on the pitch, the other works in the gym. This rotation ensures every player receives a complete and balanced development session.
On the Pitch
Training sessions focus on technical precision, decision-making, and intensity.
Players are constantly challenged and often train with older age groups, pushing them to adapt, compete, and grow faster. The environment is demanding - every session is competitive, and standards are high. There are no shortcuts.
In the Gym
Our strength and conditioning program is led by specialized coaches who design sessions specifically for football performance.
Every exercise is tailored to the physical demands of the game - speed, strength, injury prevention, and overall athletic development.
8AM
At this time, our physiotherapist is present at the academy.
Players have access to:
Injury prevention consultations
Physical assessments
Personalised recommendations
Injured athletes follow individual rehabilitation programs, ensuring a safe and efficient return to play.
11 AM
Lunch time! Nutrition is a key pillar of performance.
All meals are:
• Planned by a professional nutritionist
• Balanced and adapted to athletes’ needs
• Prepared daily by our in-house kitchen team
We also accommodate specific dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and religious dietary restrictions.
12 PM
Education is fully integrated into the athlete’s journey.
• Students up to 9th grade attend Colégio de Calvão
• Students from 10th to 12th grade study at our PFA Hub, following a dual diploma pathway (Portuguese + American High School, NCAA approved)
This is made possible through our partnerships with Colégio de Calvão and SAI Academy.
After high school, players can:
• Access university pathways through our partner institutions
• Improve academic records during a gap year
• Enroll in UEFA coaching courses, with practical experience in Portuguese clubs
1 PM - 5PM
Afternoon training sessions. This is where development meets reality.
• Long-term players train with their assigned Portuguese clubs
– Training alongside local players
– Adapting to real football environments
– Preparing for official matches
• Short-term players continue training at the academy
This structure allows players to apply what they learn in a competitive setting.
6 PM
8 PM
Dinner is served at the academy.
A key moment for recovery, followed by time to relax, reset, and prepare for the next day. Recovery is treated with the same importance as training.
Weekends are built around performance and reflection.
• Players integrated in clubs compete in official matches
• Athletes test their level in real competitive environments
Additionally, players have access to:
• Private consultations with our nutritionist
• Sessions with our mental performance coach
Each athlete is continuously evaluated and supported on an individual level.