IFX Internation Futbol X-Change

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PRO IFX – FULL SEASON PROGRAM

Our Pro IFX Year Program enables competitive players over the age of 18 the opportunity to play for a Spanish semi-professional/Amateur club for one full or one half season. Players are placed to train and compete with a Spanish club according to their level of play. An initial evaluation period upon arrival in Spain determines club placement.

Players live with host families and attend an intensive language institute, enabling rapid advancement in the Spanish language.

ACADEMICS

Located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, our Pro IFX Year program enrolls each player in our partner language institute, for intensive Spanish language lessions for the duration of the program.

Courses include normally 15-20 hours per week of lessons covering grammar, pronunciation, conversation, and cultural subjects.

SOCCER FUTBOL

Home to some of the world’s most beloved footballers including Raul, Ronaldiño, Figo, Ronaldo, and Beckam, Spain clearly is the dream destination of world footballers. With world class clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, Spain consistently dominates the most coveted European cup competitions.

With a rich history of professional and amateur football, Spain’s extensive league system provides opportunities for all levels of players to compete and develop as players. Enjoying one of the most temperate European climates, Spanish football runs year round with quality field conditions even in the dead of winter.

While the Spanish style tends to be be more individualistic than their English and German neighbors, Spanish clubs from youth through professional have tremendous capability both tactically and technically. Training sessions are designed and orchestrated to fully develop the players’ quickness of decision making while promoting their creativity and individualism.

IFX players are placed within a competitive Spanish football club fit to their level. Players are placed within an environment that will challenge the player and allow tremendous opportunity for development, while keeping in mind their physical strength and technical foundation.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

While the siesta – an hour-long mid-afternoon break from work-is generally in decline, the typical rhythm of the day in Spain is now similar to the European norm. A paseo (stroll) in the early evening remains a common custom in many smaller cities and to some extent even in the larger ones; the dinner hour is the latest in Europe, typically about 10 p.m.

Family meals are an important aspect of Spanish culture. The main meal of the day comes in the afternoon which is a perfect time to share your experiences and practice your Spanish with your host family.

As you already know, Spain is home to some of the best soccer teams in the world, so you can expect to see soccer everywhere you turn… on T.V., in the stadiums, in the parks, in the newspapers. Other popular sports include swimming, tennis, and bullfighting.

Spaniards also support the performing and fine arts, having produced some of the world’s top opera tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, as well as the painters Picasso, and Dalí. Each Spanish region has its own folkloric dance, music and dress. The flamenco, one of the most famous Spanish dances, originated in Southern Spain.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Academic Year, Fall and Spring Semester students are given an orientation upon arrival in Spain. Players are placed to live in carefully selected host families. Ongoing program support is provided by an in country program representative. Public transportation throughout Spain is very accessible. Transportation costs are the student’s responsibility, including daily transportation to and from school, if necessary.

Students will need to obtain a student visa to study in Spain and are required to apply for a residence permit for the duration of their stay. Please check with your local Spanish consulate for their requirements for your country of residence.

REQUIREMENTS

• Currently competing at a competitive level of soccer
• High School graduate
• 18 years old at the start of the program
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences
• Ability and willingness to adapt to a new environment, new culture, and European soccer style.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year

* Pro IFX Year Spain program does not include mandatory language school tuition, which is estimated at 1500 – 3000 Euros per year.

NOTE: The IFX program to Spain has limited capacity, so students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the application deadlines.

PROGRAM INCLUDES

• Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Placement in a carefully selected host family
• Meals eaten with host family
• Assistance in enrollment in intensive Spanish language institute. Actual tuition fees are not included and estimated at 300 Euros per month
• Placement with a competitive Spanish Amateur soccer club; players will train within the club’s normal training activities which is normally 3-4 days per week.
• Management of international soccer transfer; IFX can make no guarantee that a player obtains a roster position, enabling participation in official matches. Subject to players’ level and partner club’s desire to utilize IFX player in official matches.
• In country support throughout program duration provided by IFX Spanish Management
• Procurement of Spanish player pass
• Weekly soccer training according to schedule of club
• Participation in soccer club tournaments, league matches, training camps, training sessions, etc.
• Soccer league fees, travel expenses, & club gear (shoes not included).
• Ongoing support of soccer program aspect
• Assistance with student visa application process
• Student health and accident insurance
• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Pre-departure orientations
• Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program

PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Passport and visa application fees as applicable
• Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, activities)
• School expenses (e.g., tuition, uniform/lunches, if required, supplies, bus pass)
• Any other item not specified