Beyond The Pitch
As famous soccer player Neymar once said, “The secret is to believe in your dreams; in your potential that you can be like your star, keep searching, keep believing and don’t lose faith in yourself.” At Sporting Academy, it is part of our mission to support players in achieving their dreams, and we are committed to providing players with the tools that will allow them transform those dreams into goals, both on and off the field.
This is the core tenant of our Beyond the Pitch program. We believe that growth and development is ongoing and that the biggest opportunities for growth arise from fostering curiosity within our athletes. As we prepare them to be successful in any path they might choose to follow, we want to provide them with the tools they will need to be successful in their field. Our goal is not only to create excellent athletes but commendable professionals and admirable humans.
In order to achieve our goal, we will employ evidence-based practices on and off the field that support optimal development and learning conditions. As part of our Beyond The Pitch program, we will prepare 2 days per month where our training session will be substituted with either a professional development day or a wellness day. We will also choose a topic that will span over the term of a season, providing athletes with actionable items that will provide them with tools to access their full potential and to grasp the growth opportunities that they run into. It is paramount for us at Sporting to make sure that all of our programs are strongly based on evidence-based practices that ensure the best outcome for our players.
Pursuing the Duel Dream: Soccer and Life Success
With our Beyond the Pitch program, we understand that every young soccer player has a dream—to play at the highest level, to compete, and to make a name for themselves in the sport they love. But we also recognize that success in life is about more than just what happens on the field. That’s why we embrace the Duel Dream philosophy: balancing the pursuit of soccer excellence with preparation for a future beyond the game.
The Duel Dream Philosophy
Many young players put everything into their soccer journey, but the reality is that only a small percentage make it to the professional level. With the Beyond the Pitch, we ensure that players are not just chasing one dream, but two—excelling in soccer while also developing skills, education, and opportunities that will serve them for a lifetime.
We believe in a dual commitment:
⚽ The Soccer Dream – High-level training, competitive opportunities, and exposure to the next level of play.
🎓 The Life Dream – Education, career readiness, and personal development, ensuring success beyond the game.
Our Vision and mission
With Beyond the Pitch, we provide a structured program that develops both the athlete and the individual:
✅ Elite Soccer Training – High-quality coaching, technical and tactical development, and a competitive environment.
✅ Life Skills & Mentorship – Guidance from experienced mentors who help players grow as leaders, decision-makers, and professionals.
✅ Academic & Career Planning – Encouraging players to excel in school, explore career paths, and develop skills for their future.
✅ College & Professional Pathways – Support in navigating opportunities for scholarships, collegiate play, and post-soccer careers.
Why Beyond the Pitch?
For parents, the challenge is ensuring that their child’s passion for soccer doesn’t come at the cost of their future. We provide peace of mind by creating a balanced environment where players can pursue their soccer ambitions while building a strong foundation for life.
We believe that every player deserves to dream big—but also to be prepared for every possibility. Our program ensures that no matter where their soccer journey leads, they will be ready for success beyond the pitch.
