LFE Announce Return of Global Showcase and Development Programme
The LFE has announced the return of its Global Showcase and Development Programme, with 20 EFL academy graduates set to travel to Tampa, Florida, USA, on 29 November.
Thanks to generous contributions from LFE’s partners – The Players Foundation, U.S. Sports Scholarships, United Soccer League, and Varsity Nine – the participants will:
Train like a Professional: Participants will take part in training sessions and gym programmes at the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Waters Sports Complex, led by professional coaches and athletic trainers. The state of the art complex has been selected as a base for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Compete on the Big Stage: Represent LFE’s All-Star squad at the USL Academy Finals Tournament at IMG Academy, where top-tier college and professional scouts will be watching every game.
Experience the U.S. Soccer Pathway: Enjoy an exclusive visit to USL League headquarters, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour and a professional pathways panel with league executives.
Undertake Campus Visits: Explore top U.S. universities and learn about the college soccer and scholarship system.
Experience Cultural Adventures: Enjoy team dinners and sightseeing, including downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard.
Develop and Grow: Strengthen key personal attributes and life skills.
These trips offer a unique opportunity for young footballers who have recently completed their two-year apprenticeships at English Football League (EFL) academies to further both their careers and their personal development.
Portsmouth FC Academy graduate Daniel Murray attended last year’s trip to Florida. Reflecting on his experience, Murray said:
“Personally, it was a brilliant experience. I made some great friends and memories. The football and training were top class, as were the facilities. We were given excellent opportunities to play in front of coaches, and afterwards I ended up committing to a Division One programme in Southern Illinois, which has been fantastic and the best decision I have ever made. For anyone going out there this year, I’d say take the opportunity with both hands.”
These opportunities provide a pathway for participants to secure long-term football careers in the USA while creating sustainable routes for future EFL academy graduates who are not offered professional contracts in the UK.
Furthermore, the trips enhance participants’ personal growth by engaging them with international sporting environments and the communities that support and surround these settings.
In addition, participants develop essential employability and life skills, including communication, adaptability, and teamwork, while navigating new cultural environments. The trips also enhance self-awareness, cultural understanding, and personal growth, equipping participants with attitudes and behaviours that benefit them both on and off the pitch.
Finally, the funding is crucial for those who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities, helping them overcome educational, financial, social, and cultural barriers to their professional and personal development.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with LFE, Varsity Nine, The Players Foundation, and U.S. Sports Scholarships to bring back another group of players from the English Football League academy ecosystem as part of this year’s USL Academy Finals. Beyond elevating the quality of our competition, we can’t wait to see how this exposure benefits this group of players, especially after seeing nearly 50% of last year’s roster move on to American collegiate and professional playing opportunities in 2025.”
“We are delighted to be part of the LFE USL Tour for a second consecutive year. We saw first-hand how the experience changed the trajectory for several participants last year, providing life-changing opportunities in both U.S. professional and collegiate soccer. We are excited to build on that impact again this year and help create even more pathways and success stories.”
“These tours to America provide players with invaluable opportunities to experience first-hand what life as a student-athlete or professional player in the U.S. could be like. During the trip, players will be exposed to world-class facilities, top-level teams, and experiences that will help shape the next stage of their careers, wherever that may lead. As a team, we’re proud to work with our partners at LFE to help make this happen.”
“We are delighted to be supporting LFE’s Global Showcase and Development Programme in the United States. The Foundation is keenly aware of the enormous challenges young players face when they leave the game at an unexpectedly early age, and this programme provides a range of opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. I look forward to seeing the results of this ambitious initiative.”
