Youth Soccer Player Development at LA LIGA’s Cadiz CF
Many elite youth soccer players dream of training and playing soccer in Europe and being scouted by top Bundesliga and LA LIGA clubs. International Soccer Academy allows top youth soccer players to live this and train in professional clubs on integrated teams. The new football season has just launched ….
International Soccer Academy announces the successful launch of its 2024/25 season with four elite soccer programs in Europe. Players from the USA, Canada, and Australia arrived in Spain and Germany to join the prestigious clubs FC Bayern, Hertha BSC, Cádiz CF, and Algeciras CF.
These elite soccer players train extensively every week, coached by some of Europe’s most renowned coaches. This creates a proven pathway for talented youth soccer players to be scouted and for the very best to earn a contract offer. 
International Soccer Academy co-founder Eddie Loewen said, “This year, we are thrilled to offer even more opportunities for young soccer players to experience the best European training environments. We have worked for months scouting the top players and attending MLS, MLS Next, ECNL, and other top youth soccer events, looking for the best players who dream of playing soccer in Europe.”
The players train 20+ hours weekly with their UEFA PRO-licensed head coaches, Klaus Augenthaler at FC Bayern, Patrick Weiser at Hertha BSC, Pablo Sánchez at Cádiz CF, and UEFA A-licensed coach José Galán at Algeciras CF.
FC Bayern’s Global Academy coach Klaus Augenthaler is a FIFA World Cup winner and a Bundesliga champion, leading his FC Bayern Munich squad to many victories.
Soccer players in International Soccer Academy residential academy programs in Europe play weekly matches against international competition. Hertha BSC Integrated Academy has been taking on the highest level of U19 competition in Germany, including U19 Bundesliga Clubs RB Leipzig and Hallescher FC. Cádiz CF has also taken on tough regional competition in Spain and are undefeated after six soccer games. FC Bayern Global Academy’s U19 team is also undefeated.
“We’ve seen tremendous results from our programs in previous seasons,” said Diane Scavuzzo, co-founder of International Soccer Academy. “It’s not just about the game. We want these youth soccer players to leave with a deeper understanding of the world and develop their talents on the field — and be ready to take the next steps in their career, whether it is playing soccer in college or a professional soccer contract.”
As Head Coach of the Schalke 04 Integrated Academy 2023/24, former pro player turned coach Patrick Weiser reflected on last season’s success at FC Schalke 04. He said, “We had 15 players sign contracts in Europe last season, which was a fantastic achievement. My goal is to maintain that number this year and develop top talent who can compete at the highest levels of European football.”
International Soccer Academy player update: Oliver Reece from Maryland signed with U19 Bundesliga’s SV Meppen and is currently the starting keeper. George Acurero from Utah has had a fantastic start to the season at U19 Bundesliga’s Rot-Weiss Essen. Pennsylvania-born El Salvador National Team Player Francis Castillo (Philadelphia Union/UPSL and FC Delco) signed a contract with Cádiz CF U23s. International Soccer Academy youth soccer players are from all across the USA and played for MLS, MLS Next, ECNLand top regional leagues.
Additional former players from last season who have secured a contract to play in Europe include: Jacob Stauber (Culver City CF – California), Ichiro Koyama (SpVgg Weiden- Virginia), Josiah John (FA Euro NY – New York), York Knipprath (LA Surf SC – California), Rawley Ford (Barca Residency Academy – Utah), Hugh Eaton (Strikers FC Irvine – California), Santiago Munevar (San Diego Surf SC – California), Angelo Marino (Shattuck-St.Mary’s – Minnesota), Siddharth Rai (Seacoast United Soccer New England – New Hampshire), Evan Merideth (Strikers FC Irvine – California), Brandon Gjikani (Real Arizona FC – Arizona) and Baeden Marott (Brooke House College FA – Colorado).
Earlier graduates from this elite residential soccer program who signed contracts include Creighton Braun, JoeJoe Richardson, Michael Scavuzzo, Ty Walker, Jake Lazarus, Colin McGinnity, and Caleb Simmons—other graduates of International Soccer Academy’s program for student athletes. Connor Louden, and Michael Divano have played DI collegiate soccer.
Cádiz CF’s Pablo Sánchez praised the exceptional quality of International Soccer Academy’s player identification. “This year’s group of teenage youth soccer players is remarkable, not only in skill but also in their mindset and dedication. We are seeing players hungry to learn, improve, and make their mark in European football.”
Hertha Berlin’s Performance Coach (UEFA B+) Francis Kioyo said, “We push our players to reach their peak physical condition, ensuring they are prepared for the intense European style of play. It’s about building not just soccer players but elite athletes who can handle the demands of top-level competition.”
Assistant Coach (UEFA B) and Team Director at Hertha BSC, Michael Scavuzzo emphasized the importance of our professional player development environment. “Our program provides more than just technical training in preparation of a pro contract or collegiate career,” said Scavuzzo. “We focus on developing leadership qualities, mental toughness, and teamwork. This combination makes our athletes stand out on and off the field.”
During their time in Europe, these student athletes stayed within the American school system, studying online at the renowned ASU (Arizona State University) Global Academy.
For more information, please visit Hertha BSC Integrated U18 Team and Cádiz CF Integrated U18 Team
