At Global Sports Experiences (GSE), we believe international competition is more than an event – it is a critical part of long-term player development. Programs like FC United embody this philosophy by giving young athletes the opportunity to compete, connect, and grow in truly global environments.

FC United is an All-Star program designed to bring together top players from different countries and backgrounds, forming international squads that compete in elite tournaments around the world. Beyond competition, the program exposes players to new football cultures, coaching styles, and perspectives – experiences that shape both the athlete and the person.

That vision came to life once again at Surf Cup International Salou 2025, where the FC United 2014 Boys took part in one of Europe’s leading youth tournaments.

A Truly International Team

The FC United 2014 squad was composed of 14 players representing eight nationalities – USA, Mexico, Spain, England, Estonia, Poland, South Africa, and Greece. Brought together in Spain, the group quickly had to learn how to communicate, adapt, and perform as a team despite their different footballing and cultural backgrounds.

For the players, this diversity was one of the most memorable aspects of the experience.
“It was fun to be on a team and hang out with players from around the world,” said Sully, goalkeeper for FC United. “I really liked playing against Everton. It was cool to play a pro academy.”

This diversity is central to the FC United model: football as a shared language that connects players across borders.

Competing on an International Stage

In the group stage, FC United faced strong opposition from around the world, including Freddie Academy (Sweden), TNL International (Australia), and Everton FC’s academy from the English Premier League.

Each match presented distinct tactical and physical challenges, requiring players to adjust to different playing styles, rhythms, and competitive standards. These moments of adaptation are a core part of international development, teaching players how to respond under pressure and unfamiliar conditions.

After the group phase, the team narrowly missed further advancement following a close match against Kyalami United (South Africa) in the Silver Quarter Finals. While results always matter, the experience offered valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and high-level competition.

For families, those lessons often extend beyond the pitch.
“The FC United experience for my 10-year-old gave us more than I could’ve hoped,” said Nik, Sully’s father, from Washington State, USA.

“The professionalism of IDA – and in particular his coach Ben – was wonderful. My son truly embraced a new experience in a foreign country with players from all over the world. He grew immensely in confidence as a player, and most importantly as a person, during our time in Spain at SCI Salou.”

A Tournament That Brings the World Together

Surf Cup International Salou 2025 marked the fifth edition of one of Europe’s most respected youth tournaments, welcoming over 220 teams from 31 countries across six continents.

The scale and diversity of the event create a unique environment where young players are tested not only as footballers, but as individuals learning to compete on a global stage.

For some families, the experience also provided clarity about the level required to progress internationally.
“After the tournament, and the talent we saw on display, we decided – and more importantly, Muhammad decided – that he has to do a lot more to get to the level of, and keep up with, the rest of the continents,” said Sheriff, Muhammad’s father, from South Africa.

More Than a Tournament

For FC United, experiences like Surf Cup Salou go far beyond wins and losses. Playing with teammates from around the world and against elite international opposition is a defining part of the pathway.

Friendships were formed, cultures were shared, and moments were created that will stay with these players long after the final whistle.

This is what GSE, International Development Academy (IDA), and FC United proudly celebrate: football as a global language, a powerful developmental tool, and a bridge that connects players from every corner of the world.

We look forward to seeing the journey continue in 2026.