Barking Abbey Football Academy Florida, USA - Tour 2026
In February half term, our student-athletes embarked on an exciting two-week tour of Florida, combining elite competition, university engagement, and international scholarship exploration as part of our Alan Turing Funding Initiative.
This unique programme was carefully designed to provide genuine exposure to American college athletics while opening academic and career pathways for our students from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
University Visits & Scholarship Pathways
During the tour, we visited six leading colleges and universities across Florida, including Florida Southern College, Eckerd College (NCAA DIV 2) Southeastern University, Webber International University (NAIA) Eastern Florida Junior college and Polk State Junior college (NJCAA Div 1)
Each visit included:
- Engagement with athletic departments and coaching staff
- Tours of elite training and performance facilities
- Scholarship pathways and eligibility routes
- Discussions around internship and work placement opportunities
- Explore potential internship and work placement opportunities
Our students gained first-hand insight into the US collegiate system, experiencing world-class campuses and athletic environments while building relationships that could shape their academic and sporting futures.
The Alan Turing initiative continues to support every ambitious student seeking international scholarships, global study opportunities, and long-term career development.
Disney Presidents Cup
A major highlight of the tour is our entry into the Disney Presidents Cup, hosted at the renowned ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.
This prestigious tournament attracts strong competition from across the United States and beyond, offering:
- High-level match experience & international competition
- Exposure to college scouts and recruiters
- Performance benchmarking against elite opposition
- Professional match environments
Competing on this stage provides invaluable visibility for our student-athletes as they pursue international scholarship opportunities.
Our athletes are not just travelling to compete — they are travelling to build futures. Whether pursuing an international scholarship, securing a work placement, or simply gaining life-changing global experience, this tour represents a bold step forward.
Florida 2026 was about courage, ambition, and opportunity.
And for our student-athletes, it could be the beginning of something extraordinary.
