International Soccer Academy Players Reflect on the Differences Between Youth Soccer in the U.S. and Germany
American youth soccer players in the Hertha BSC Integrated Academy share how Germany’s fast-paced, tactical, and professional environment is transforming their game and mindset.
For three years, the Hertha BSC Integrated Academy has served as a gateway for young American players seeking to elevate their game in the highly competitive environment of European football. 100% of the players surveyed recently agreed they have all improved their skills because of this program.
Training, living, and playing soccer in Germany as an American youth player is an entirely different experience compared to the U.S. In Germany, soccer isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. 
Training intensity is higher, focusing on tactical awareness, technical precision, and discipline from an early age. Players train more frequently, often within professional club academies that integrate schooling and soccer development seamlessly.
With each passing season, International Soccer Academy’s exclusive program with The Blue-Whites continues to refine its approach, offering players a firsthand experience of German soccer — and an understanding why Germany, as the four FIFA World Cup champions, always sets rigorous demands.
But what do the young American youth soccer players think are the differences between playing soccer here and in the USA? From America’s West Coast to its East Coast and many states in between, the players on this team arrived in Berlin in August 2024 to train for the season and play weekly matches.
A Faster, More Tactical Game
Greg Berkovsky, a former Barca Residency Academy player from Arizona vividly remembers his first few training sessions in Berlin, when he first arrived two years ago to start the season at International Soccer Academy.
“The game here is much faster. In the U.S., you have a little more time on the ball, but here, you have to make quicker decisions because players are pressing all the time,” Berkovsky explained. The adjustment was difficult at first, but soon, he found himself keeping pace with the intensity.
For Nathan Levin, who previously played for TSF Academy in New Jersey, the tactical awareness of German teams stood out most. “Every movement has a purpose. The positioning, the way teams build up play, and the discipline are at a much higher level. You have to be thinking two steps ahead,” Levin shared, who was recently invited to train with the Bundesliga U17 Team of Hertha BSC. Over time, he began to see improvements in his decision-making, crediting Germany’s structured environment for sharpening his tactical acumen.
A More Competitive and Professional Environment
Zyan Ha-Ahu from Hawaii was no stranger to hard work, but nothing could have prepared him for the daily grind of German football. “Every practice feels like a game. The training is demanding, and there is no room for complacency. Everyone is fighting for a spot,” he said. The relentless push to improve and the accountability expected from every player starkly contrasted what he had previously experienced.
Goalkeeper Wilhelm Fahrbach from Wisconsin echoed this sentiment, noting that the culture around soccer in Germany is vastly different. “In Germany, soccer is a way of life. Even lower-division teams have incredible fan support, and young players are treated as professionals from an early age. It’s a serious commitment,” Fahrbach added. He marveled at how even casual spectators understood the game’s nuances, making every match feel significant.
Om Patel from Georgia, who played for United Futbol Academy, highlighted the difference in coaching philosophy. “In the U.S., there’s a bigger focus on physicality and athleticism, but here, it’s about technical ability and decision-making. It’s a shift in mindset,” Patel observed. This shift was crucial in helping him transition into a more possession-based style of play.
Sebastian Stokas from North Carolina noted the impact of promotion and relegation in Germany. “In the U.S., you play in leagues with no real consequences, but here, every game matters. Teams fight to move up, and that urgency raises the overall level of competition,” Stokas explained. The pressure to perform in meaningful matches helped him develop a mental toughness that he believes will serve him well in the future.
Differences in Lifestyle
Beyond soccer, American players have also noticed cultural differences that extend to everyday life. Off the field, the cultural shift is just as big as on the pitch. The lifestyle is more structured, with a strong emphasis on independence—many youth players use public transportation to get to training, and daily life revolves around the game in a way that doesn’t exist in the USA and feels deeply ingrained in the culture.
Unlike the U.S., where youth soccer often involves high school teams and weekend tournaments, German youth players compete in highly organized club systems with a direct pipeline to the professional level.
Kieran Tatiboit, who came from Los Angeles, California, was surprised by the slower pace of life. “One of the biggest adjustments was realizing that most stores are closed on Sundays. In the U.S., you can go out and shop any day of the week, but here, Sundays are really a day of rest. It took some getting used to,” Tatiboit said.
Matthew Tweedy from Wisconsin found the food to be a significant change. “The meals here are a lot fresher, and people take their time eating. In the U.S., you grab fast food or eat on the go, but in Germany, meals are more of a sit-down experience. Even things like the bread and dairy taste different,” Tweedy observed. He embraced the change, noting that it made him more mindful of his nutrition and overall well-being.
Insights from the Hertha BSC Coaching Staff
Performance Coach Francis Kioyo, who has worked with German and American players, emphasized the difference in player mentality. “American players bring incredible energy and a strong work ethic, but they sometimes lack the tactical foundation that German players develop from a young age. However, their willingness to learn and adapt makes them exciting to coach,” Kioyo said. Over the past two years, he has seen American players evolve into more well-rounded athletes, proving that immersion in the European system yields significant benefits.
Team Director and UEFA B licensed Assistant Coach Michael Scavuzzo, who played in Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City Academy and Germany’s Regionalliga Ost, offered a unique perspective.
“In the U.S., there’s a lot of focus on raw talent, but in Germany, it’s about refining that talent with tactical discipline. When American players embrace the European approach, they can elevate their game to a new level,” Scavuzzo explained.
With three years of success behind them, the Hertha BSC Integrated Academy continues to offer young players a transformative experience. As these athletes push their limits in a new footballing culture, they carry the lessons and experiences that will shape their futures. The partnership with International Soccer Academy is proving to be more than just an opportunity—it’s a pathway to success on the global stage.
