Men's College Experience powered by ida

Take Your College Team Abroad For An Elite Experience

Why Traveling With GSE Is Different:

Most international trips stop at sightseeing and a few games. The GSE Men’s College Experience is built differently — combining elite competition, professional-level training, cultural immersion, and a direct recruiting pipeline through IDA’s global academies.

  • Train like the pros at our world-class IDA facilities alongside UEFA licensed staff and visits to professional clubs.
  • Compete internationally with matches against academy and pro-club opponents.
  • Recruitment built-in — direct access to IDA players preparing for the U.S. college pathway.
  • Coaches first — free land package, professional development, and integration with IDA’s coaching team.
  • Culture + community — authentic local experiences and meaningful outreach beyond the pitch. From sightseeing famous cities to live professional matches and stadium tours.
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Experience Overview

The GSE Men’s College Experience is an international soccer program designed specifically for men’s college teams. Available at only five elite locations—Spain, England, Italy, the USA, and Brazil—the program is fully integrated with IDA, giving teams access to world-class training environments and professional coaching staff.

The all-inclusive cost starts at only $1,995 per player, covering accommodation, meals, training, matches, and cultural experiences. Coaches enjoy a free land package with their own room, and additional coaching staff can participate at half price.

The program is designed for groups of 16 players or more, allowing teams to fully maximize the training, competition, and recruitment opportunities offered. While it is open to all men’s college programs, it is particularly well-suited for those looking to connect with IDA’s global network of elite players and academies.

About IDA

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    Elite, International Training

    IDA develops student-athletes aged 15–22 by combining elite soccer training with personalized academic pathways.

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    5 Locations

    Academies in Valencia, UK, Rome, Florida, and Brazil.

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    Proven Pathway

    College placement support for NCAA DI, DII, DIII and Professional Opportunities.

IDA-Powered College Experience Highlights

  • Flexible Program Scheduling

    The GSE Men’s College Experience offers travel during December Week, Spring Break, or Summer. Each 7-night program provides an immersive balance of elite training, competitive matches, and cultural experiences.

  • Elite Training Environments

    Players and coaches train at world-class facilities with professional staff from local academies and pro clubs, ensuring every session meets professional standards.

  • Customizable High-Level Sessions

    Multiple high-intensity training sessions, including academy-based drills, can be tailored to each team’s goals, helping players develop strategically and effectively.

  • Competitive Matches

    Teams play against local academy programs, providing meaningful competition and valuable insights into player performance and team dynamics.

  • Professional Match Exposure & Behind-the-Scenes Access

    Participants attend a professional league match and enjoy stadium tours and behind-the-scenes access to local academies for a unique learning experience.

  • Full-Service Logistics & Player Support

    Accommodation, meals, hydration, snacks, and transportation are all included. Full-time IDA staff supervision and medical support ensure a safe, smooth experience. 

  • Recruitment & College Pathways

    IDA offers coaches the chance to scout top international talent in one location. Alumni have advanced to NCAA programs and professional teams worldwide, helping coaches build effective recruiting pipelines.

Notable IDA College Placements

Arik Duncan

Arik earned a full-ride scholarship to The University of California, Berkley during his gap year with IDA. He then went on to the MLS Draft where he was drafted to play at CF Montréal.

 

Adrian Biaggi

Adrian was a full-time IDA player player before heading to the University of Dayton to play Division I. Adrian was also the Team captain for Puerto Rico U20 National Team.

Typical Itinerary at IDA Valencia

  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • 3 meals per day + hydration/snacks
  • 3+ high-level training sessions (final number based on coach decision), including academy locations
  • 3 games against local academy programs
  • Attend a Professional Match from one of the top leagues in the country.  Final games announced based on Fixture Schedule.   
  • Stadium Tours and behind the scenes tour of local academies.
  • Cultural Experiences
  • All transportation (airport, games, tours)
  • Full-time IDA staff supervision + medical support
  • All equipment provided
  • Professional recordings of all matches and training sessions (subject to club rules).
  • Arrival at Valencia airport, you should pan your arrival time to be in the morning of April 5th. GSE can help with managing a group flight option. GSE will coordinate airport pick ups and returns with specific times based around group arrivals.
  • Head into Valencia for free time and lunch then hotel check-in will be no earlier than 3pm. Other option is an afternoon light training session.
  • Evening: Attend professional soccer match from La Liga or la Liga 2 based on final TV Schedule.
  • Morning: High-intensity session at IDA Valencia Residential Academy
  • Afternoon: Free time in Valencia.
  • Evening: First game of the week against local academy
  • Morning: Team beach day & recovery session
  • Afternoon: Coaching workshop with IDA staff and review game film. Discuss team tactics, formations and strategies. 
  • Evening: Light Training Session at IDA Valencia Residential Academy
  • Morning: Training session at Valencia CF with club staff
  • Afternoon: Mestalla Stadium tour + downtown Valencia exploration
  • Evening: Second friendly match vs local academy
  • Morning: Training session at CD Castellón with club staff
  • Afternoon: Coaching workshop with IDA staff and review game film. Discuss team tactics, formations and strategies. 
  • Evening: team dinner with players and coaching staff.
  • Morning: Cultural excursion to La Vall Caves
  • Afternoon: Free time and preparation for final game.
  • Evening: Final game against local academy
  • Departure day – airport transfer & return home from Valencia Airport.

How We Differentiate

Recruitment Opportunities

Recruitment Opportunities
  • Build a direct recruitment pipeline through IDA’s global network.

  • Access top players spending a gap year at IDA before pursuing college opportunities.

  • Observe academy players at local professional clubs — see talent even if not signing immediately.

  • Coaches gain complimentary access to Surf Cup International (SCI Salou) from Wednesday to Sunday to scout European and U.S. players.

Cultural & Team-Building Experiences

Cultural & Team-Building Experiences
  • Unique sightseeing and immersive activities beyond the pitch. Examples include:
    • Downtown Valencia city experience
    • Beach training & recovery sessions
    • La Vall Caves excursion
  • Engage in meaningful social outreach programs in each country to develop leadership and community awareness.

Professional Development

Professional Development
  • Exclusive opportunity for coaches to visit and work with IDA academies, like NCAA Division I programs have done. Read more HERE.

  • Assistant coaches can participate in coaching sessions on the FC United program.

  • Collaborate with UEFA Pro-licensed staff and learn from international coaching philosophies.

Content Creation

Content Creation
  • Professional recordings of all matches and training sessions (subject to club rules).

  • High-quality photos for players, coaches, and program promotion.

  • Player and coach interviews to capture the week’s experience.

  • Social media content development to share your team’s journey.

Coaching Support & Integration

Coaching Support & Integration
  • Full-time support from IDA coaching staff throughout the week.

  • Collaborative training sessions where your coaches can work alongside IDA professionals.

  • Joint video analysis sessions for in-depth tactical learning and player development feedback.

  • Build long-term relationships with international coaching staff for ongoing professional growth.

Fundraising & Alumni Engagement

Fundraising & Alumni Engagement
  • Opportunity to launch an alumni Fan Tour program to raise funds and awareness.

  • Engage former players and supporters while building your program’s brand globally.

Let's Plan Your Experience!