Lisbon, Portugal – Members of Kentucky’s ODP program traveled to Portugal in April for an exciting training and cultural experience. 26 boys and girls players from the Commonwealth had scheduled training sessions and games as well as sight-seeing tours. They also were able to attend several professional matches, taking in the electric Portuguese soccer atmosphere amongst the locals.
Both the boys’ and girls’ teams enjoyed daily training, which consisted of small-sided games and technical sessions, and also got professional training experiences with Benefica Academy and CF Belenesenses. Each team had three games against local Lisbon teams with the boys finishing 1-1-1, and the girls going undefeated 3-0.
Aside from playing, the group visited numerous historical sites including Lisbon Center, Castle of Sao Jorge, the National Palace in Sintra and Belem. They also toured Cascais and the Estádio da Luz (Benefica’s Stadium). The group was also able to attend SL Benefica vs SCU Torrense ladies’ match (Benefica won 1-0) and Estrela da Amadora vs Sporting Lisbon CP with Sporting coming out on top 1-0.
“Watching the players grow together over the course of the week was fun to see,” said Assistant Technical Director Jeremy Anderson. “These ODP trips are not only great for training but allow the players to have fun while experiencing new cultures.”
The 2027 international trip will take the ODP players to Manchester, England, with the possibility of adding Edinburgh, Scotland, as an additional destination on the trip. More details on that trip will be announced later this year.
