Futures

FUTURES Tour – Tampa, Florida 2026

The FUTURES group of League Football Education (LFE), The English Football League (EFL) and The Premier League (PL) are delighted to offer up to 22 released academy graduates the opportunity to take part in a 12-day showcase and development programme to Tampa, Florida, USA.

This is your once in a lifetime chance to experience life inside the US soccer system, from training at the pro facilities of the Tampa Bay Rowdies to showcasing your talent at the prestigious USL Academy Cup hosted at the world-renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Across 12 days, participants will immerse themselves in professional-level environments, experience the US player pathway first-hand, and gain exposure to college scouts, USL professional clubs and league executives, opening real opportunities for future scholarships, contracts and careers.

This is an amazing opportunity to:

• Train Like a Pro: With training sessions and gym programs at the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Waters Sportsplex, led by professional coaches and athletic trainers.
• Compete on the Big Stage: Represent the FUTURES All Stars squad at the USL Academy Tournament at IMG Academy, where top-tier college and pro scouts watch every game.
• Experience the US Soccer Pathway: Exclusive visit to the USL Headquarters, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour and Professional Pathways panel with league executives.
• Undertake Campus Visits: Explore top US universities and learn about the college soccer and scholarship system.
• Experience Cultural Adventures: Enjoy team dinners and sightseeing, including Downtown Tampa’s River Walk and Bayshore Boulevard.
• Develop and Grow: Your personal attributes and life skills.

What is Involved?

Thanks to FUTURES you will receive the following:

A 12-day trip to Tampa, Florida between 26 November and 7 December 2026 (final dates TBC).

Flights, accommodation, training facilities, training and match kit, transport within the US, breakfast, lunch and dinner will all be included. As will your ESTA, travel insurance and a full social and cultural programme. You will just need to make your own way to and from Heathrow Airport.

Schedule (dates subject to change)

26 November
Depart London, arrive in Tampa, check into accommodation.

27 November – 2 December
Training and matches at Tampa Bay Rowdies Waters Sportsplex.
US university visits and talks.

3 – 6 December
USL Academy tournament at IMG Academy, Bradenton.

7 December
Visit USL Headquarters, Tampa, depart for London.

What to Expect

Hear from LFE/EFL/PL Academy Graduates who undertook a similar trip in early 2026 and get an impression of the experience…

Support

In conjunction with our delivery partners Varsity Nine and US Sports Scholarships, we will provide a full preparation programme, to include:

• Eligibility checks
• Playing suitability assessments
  • Wednesday 9 September, Marine FC
  • Friday 11 September, Bisham Abbey
• Practical information (itinerary, what to take, travel visas, insurance etc.)
• Logistical information (travel, accommodation etc.)
• Requirements from you (ESTA’s, consent forms, code of conduct etc.)

Who Can Play?

We are accepting applications to participate in this experience from former EFL/PL apprentices and professional players.

Apprenticeships must have been COMPLETED and been managed by LFE or the Premier League.

All participants must be PFA Members and been released from:

• EFL/PL Academies/Clubs at the end of the 2023/2024 season
  • as an under 18.

• EFL/PL Academies/Clubs at the end of the 2024/25 season
  • as an under 18
  • OR as an under 19 player (i.e. had extended apprenticeship or a 1-year pro contract).

• EFL/PL Academies at the end of the 2025/26 season
  • as an under 18
  • OR as a U19 player (i.e. had extended apprenticeship or 1-year pro)
  • OR as a U20 player (i.e. had extended apprenticeship plus 1-year pro contract, or 2 year pro contract).

Participants who are still eligible for USA scholarships will be prioritised.

How to Apply

Next Steps

Upon receipt of a completed form, we will contact you asap to confirm if you are eligible and have been selected to progress to the playing assessment phase, as well as provide further information.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact:

LFE’s Transition & Careers Officer, Anthony Cato – ACato@lfe.org.uk / 07957 990629 or
LFE’s Projects Manager, Dan Jolley – DJolley@lfe.org.uk / 07876 500350.