Last week, two standout players, Joana and Riley, were invited to participate in trial sessions with the girls' youth structure of Sporting CP, one of Portugal’s most respected football institutions and the club renowned for developing elite talent.

The opportunity followed recommendations from technical staff who work closely with the players and maintain an active relationship with Sporting’s scouting network. Such collaborations provide young athletes with direct pathways into professional football environments, helping ensure promising talent is identified and supported at an early stage.

For both players, the experience represented much more than a training session. They described the week as an eye-opening opportunity, inspired by the technical quality, intensity, and professionalism demonstrated within Sporting’s academy structure.

The trials also brought encouraging outcomes. Riley has been invited to continue training within Sporting’s youth setup, while Joana has received an even more significant opportunity: a move into the renowned Sporting academy environment associated with the legacy of youth development pioneer Aurélio Pereira. The transition places her in a structure designed to provide closer development and supervision as she continues her football journey.

For a school community such as United Lisbon, stories like these demonstrate the value of combining academic education with opportunities beyond the classroom. As international schools increasingly invest in sports and extracurricular development, pathways linking education and elite performance continue to expand.

Joana and Riley’s progress offers a strong message for young athletes across Lisbon: talent, commitment, and access to the right opportunities can open doors to the next level.

Find out more about the stellar ULIS community by contacting admissions.