Valadares Gaia

Girls Residency Selection Camp

2 hours. One shot. Train, get evaluated, and earn selection for a 5-day residency in Portugal (June 30–July 5) with top-division club Valadares Gaia FC. 20 players will be chosen. GKs welcome. Only 20 players will be choosen.

Limited to - 50 players | Location: TBA

Who: Girls 13–20 years old (all positions, GKs included)

Selections: 20 players invited to Portugal June 30–July 5

Capacity: - 50 players

Price: $100 (tryout shirt included)

Why This Event Matters

Selection Criteria

Technique under pressure

Game IQ (positioning, decisions)

Intensity & habits (work rate, resilience)

Coachability (listen, adapt, apply fast)

This isn’t a generic ID day. It’s a direct pathway into a top Portuguese club environment. Get seen, measured, and if you’re ready selected for a residency where you’ll train with academy staff and compete for a place in Valadares Gaia’s Special International Program (tournaments, return invites, pro-trial opportunities when age-eligible).

What You’ll Do

Warm-Up & Technical Sharpness (first touch under pressure)

Small-Sided Evaluations (speed of play, decisions)

Match Play (tactical awareness, competitiveness)

Goalkeepers: Integrated shot-stopping, crosses, distribution evals

Post-Session: Short feedback + selection timeline

The Pathway (Simple)

Selection Camp → 20 Selected → Portugal Residency (Jun 30–Jul 5) → Compete for Special International Program → Tournaments / Return Invites / Age-appropriate Pro Trials

Founded in 1942, Valadares Gaia Futebol Clube is one of Portugal’s most respected women’s football clubs. Based in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River from Porto, the club has grown into a consistent competitor in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino - Portugal’s top division of women’s football.

Valadares Gaia is recognized for:

  • Commitment to Women’s Football — one of the first Portuguese clubs to prioritize the women’s game at the highest level.

  • Player Development - producing athletes who have represented both club and country at the international stage.

  • Competitive Excellence - consistent participation in the Portuguese first division, facing off against powerhouses like Benfica and Sporting CP.

About Valadares Gaia FC

If You’re Selected (What Happens Next)

  • Deposit Due: Within 7 days of selection to hold your spot

  • Payment Plans: Monthly or bi-weekly options through 30 days before departure

  • Residency Dates: June 30 – July 5 (Portugal)

  • What’s in the Residency: Daily training with academy coaches, match scenarios vs local players, evaluation for the Special International Program; ground transport + daily meals vary by package (details in acceptance packet)

Parent Confidence

  • Small cohort (serious eyes on every player)

  • Structured pathway with clear timelines

  • Daily communication during residency (WhatsApp group)

  • Safeguarding, chaperones, medical support at residency

 FAQs

  • A: Girls ages 13–19 of all positions, including goalkeepers. All players will be evaluated in training, small-sided games, and match play.

  • A: The Selection Camp is 2 hours. Players will warm up, go through small-sided games, and finish with full match play.

  • A: 20 players will be invited to Portugal (June 30 – July 5) for a 5-day residency with Valadares Gaia FC. During the residency, players will train with academy staff, compete against local players, and be evaluated for the club’s Special International Program.

  • A: Location is TBA and will be emailed after registration. But plan for the selection event to be held in the North Texas Area

  • A: We offer flexible payment plans:

    • Direct through Cruz Coaching (monthly or bi-weekly installments)

    • Third-party financing with Google Pay, Klarna, Affirm, or Afterpay at checkout
      This allows families to spread the cost out leading up to the June 30 residency.

  • A: Full refunds are available up to 7 days before the Selection Camp. After that, registrations are transferable to another Cruz Coaching event.

  • A: She’ll still receive feedback and priority consideration for future Cruz Coaching international camps and residencies.

  • A: No. Since this is a Residency Camp, players will live and train on-site at the club’s facilities under full supervision. Practices are closed-door to ensure a professional environment. Parents are welcome to travel to Portugal but will need to stay off-campus in a hotel or Airbnb of their choice. Cruz Coaching will provide daily updates, photos, and full safeguarding measures so families are always connected.

  • A: Yes. Families handle flights and passports/visas. We provide guidance and official documents if needed, plus group lodging/ground transportation packages.

Selection Camp → 20 Selected → 5-Day Portugal Residency → Special International Program → Pro Trials / Tournaments.

Only 50 Total Spots. Don’t Miss Out

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