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Chapter 05 · The Program Portfolio

A structured recruitment ladder

The program ladder is the engine of the model. Every rung has its own conversion target to the next, and from seven days onward there is a recognised academic component.

Every program is certified: from seven days onward participants follow the Cruyff Institute Sports Essentials Course (50–80 study hours). From thirty days a three-month Specialized College Course is added (3 ECTS), and at ninety days two optional programs together deliver 6 ECTS. Saint Leo University adds its own academic offering to every program.

Stage 1

Discover America

Three-Day Soccer Clinic

Objective
Create first international awareness of Saint Leo.
Target audience
Players aged 14–17 in partner clubs and schools.
Learning outcomes
Soccer fundamentals, English exposure, ambition setting.
Campus integration
Saint Leo branding, coaches and student ambassadors on site.
Academic exposure
Introduction session on studying in the United States.
Recruitment value
Captures a qualified database of future applicants.
Conversion objective
Convert to Stage 2 camp registration.
Academic credential
Saint Leo's own academic modules, added to every program.

Stage 2

Experience Saint Leo

Four-Day Soccer Camp

Objective
Turn awareness into concrete interest.
Target audience
Players aged 15–18 with academic potential.
Learning outcomes
Position-specific training, teamwork, goal setting.
Campus integration
Training on campus facilities, dining and dorm tour.
Academic exposure
Guest lecture and admissions Q&A with parents.
Recruitment value
First academic profiling of each participant.
Conversion objective
Convert to the Elite Campus Week.
Academic credential
Saint Leo's own academic modules, added to every program.

Stage 3

Develop

Seven-Day Elite Campus Week

Objective
Prove the student can thrive in an American setting.
Target audience
Players aged 16–19 considering a US pathway.
Learning outcomes
Elite training load, English immersion, leadership labs.
Campus integration
Full residential week during campus holiday periods.
Academic exposure
Two credit-bearing style seminars and study skills.
Recruitment value
Coaches and admissions evaluate in real conditions.
Conversion objective
Convert to the 30-Day College Experience.
Academic credential
Cruyff Institute Sports Essentials Course (50–80 study hours), plus Saint Leo's own academic offering.

Stage 4

Live Like A Student

Thirty-Day College Experience

Objective
Remove every doubt for student and parent.
Target audience
Students aged 16–20 in their decision year.
Learning outcomes
Academic routine, independence, cultural fluency.
Campus integration
Dorm life, campus jobs, athletics and student clubs.
Academic exposure
Attends real classes alongside enrolled students.
Recruitment value
High-intent pipeline with documented performance.
Conversion objective
Convert to the 90-Day Immersion or direct application.
Academic credential
Cruyff Institute Sports Essentials Course plus a three-month Specialized College Course worth 3 ECTS, plus Saint Leo's own academic offering.

Stage 5

Prepare For Enrollment

Ninety-Day Academic & Athletic Immersion

Objective
Deliver an enrollment-ready international student.
Target audience
Students aged 17–21 targeting a bachelor degree.
Learning outcomes
Academic English, credits, athletic and personal readiness.
Campus integration
Full semester-style integration into campus life.
Academic exposure
Bridge curriculum aligned with first-year requirements.
Recruitment value
Near-certain conversion with scholarship evaluation.
Conversion objective
Bachelor enrollment at Saint Leo University.
Academic credential
Optional: two specialized courses totalling 6 ECTS, on top of the Sports Essentials Course and Saint Leo's own academic offering.

What this means

01

Credentials from day seven

From the seven-day program onward every participant follows the Cruyff Institute Sports Essentials Course (50–80 study hours). From thirty days a three-month Specialized College Course is added, worth 3 ECTS; at ninety days two programs together worth 6 ECTS are optional.

02

Saint Leo builds on top

Saint Leo University adds its own academic offering to every program. The university is therefore not a venue but the academic owner of the experience.

03

Each rung qualifies the next

Participants are assessed along the ladder on athletic level, academic profile and personal maturity. Anyone reaching ninety days is already known to coaches and admissions on arrival.