This is a opportunity to take your football skills to the next level and beyond. You can learn all about “the beautiful game” in a country where football is not just a sport, but a way of life.

Learning to play football in Brazil is a truly unique experience. At the full-time training facility in Sao Paulo state, you will gain an insight on the Brazilian approach to football, with a combination of physical training and tactical development.

Botafogo FC developed an exchange program (weekly, monthly, semiannual and annual) for young athletes, of
any nationality and lovers of football. The aim is to promote a high level training and competition; medical support, physiotherapy, psychological, nutritional and conditions for cultural and social development. For this, the participating athletes are integrated into the basic categories of the club and the training programs
specific to different ages and according to the need of each player from specific training to high performance.

Thus, living side by side with the country's professional football, making friends and always preserving the competitive spirit, we can make this journey through the world of the ball an unforgettable experience through technical activities:

- Support for reception and adaptation of athletes in Brazil; High Level Training Methodology, Medical and Physical Evaluations;
- Participation in Tournaments and Competitions;
- Friendly Games, Food, Lodging at the Training Center, Private School, Health Plan (Medical and Dental);
- Transfers;
- Training Equipment and Facilities;
- Laundry and Cleaning services, Media Center (Internet, cable TV, video games), Access to Developed Activities Reports, Videos, Photos, Certificate of Participation, among others.

The training program is set up in two groups:

- under 18 years old
- between 18 and 21 years old

The program is either for schools, sportive groups, gyms or clubs that come together with a teacher/coach during school holidays, or young people interested in coming to Brazil individually to train for football as a hobby.

Football Training Program: Aside from a solid scouting system implemented in the region and stretching across the country, adequate infrastructure and continuous concern with the development of youngsters have been key for attracting and retaining talents at the academy.

Educational monitoring (for duration over 6 months): This football club has its own private school on site that teaches basic and secondary education to its players and exchange students. English and Portuguese classes are also mandatory.

Social, medical, dental and physiotherapeutic assistance: provided at the phisio department and through contracts with health insurance institutions in the region.

Facilities include:

- 3 official soccer fields with synthetic grass approved by FIFA;
- 2 official soccer fields with natural grass;
- Training area for goalkeepers
- Academy;
- Hotel (up to 140 guests);
- Recreation Area;
- Restaurant;
- Fitness center and rehabilitation center;
- Parking for 500 vehicles;
- 4 classrooms;
- Wireless Internet throughout the complex;
- Lan House;
- Laundry.

Age Limit:                14 - 21 yrs

Program Fee:         $125 USD per day (* Consult us about discounts for groups over 5 participants)

Location:                 Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo

Accommodation is entirely provided at the Botafogo training facility, in multiple bedroom (2 players per room) with bathroom, air-conditioning and fan. This also includes 4 daily meals, with a menu prepared by sport nutritionist.

• Portuguese classes for programs over 6 months (1 hour per day)

• Tactical, physical and technical training

• 4 daily meals, with a menu prepared by sport nutritionist

• Medical and physiotherapy monitoring

• Uniforms (shorts/T-shirt/socks)

• Medical and dental private insurance for programs over 30 days

• Friendly matches

• Accommodations

• Football matches and official tournaments for programs over 6 months

• 1 free day per week

• Recreational activities

• Internal transportation

• Participation certificate

• Monitoring of Botafogo Academy technical committee

• Medicar protected area (company specializing in medical care) Placement in a Brazilian host family

• Total assistance and full-time support during stay in Brazil provided by a local representative

• Visa documents to be sent to you 

• Cultural Exchange

• Arrival Orientation upon arrival

• Portuguese classes for programs under 6 months

• Travel to and from Brazil

• Airport pick up and transfer

• Internal flights and weekend trips

• Visa fees

• Travel & Medical Insurance which should cover you for full-time football training

• Pocket money 

• Submit Registration Form

• Deposit of $250 USD per participant

• We will send an invoice in the net amount correspondent to the program.

• Once payment is received, we will release the document for the visa.

• Applicant  may send documents and inquiries to: info@nik-las.com

Please, make sure your medical insurance covers you during your stay in Brazil; otherwise we can make arrangements for you to receive in this case.