For Noah Roache, the ambition to play college soccer was always there. What changed during his year at IDA Valencia was the confidence, maturity, and experience needed to make that goal feel possible.
The South Carolina native, who spent part of his childhood in the Caribbean before continuing his journey in the United States, has now committed to Columbia College. There, he will continue both his academic and athletic path with the Koalas in the NAIA.
After a full year training, competing, and adapting to life in Spain, Noah looks back on his time at IDA Valencia as a key stage in his development.
Discovering His Love for Soccer
Noah’s connection with the game started early, although his path into soccer was not completely straightforward.
“I first started playing soccer in kindergarten when I lived in Saint Kitts in the Caribbean,” he said. “Then I moved to the United States in third grade and stopped playing until sixth grade, when I started again and really found a love for it.”
That passion continued to grow after he moved to Bluffton, South Carolina, where he quickly noticed the level and intensity around him had changed.
“The football environment was way more aggressive and definitely a higher level. I had to go through ups and downs, learn how to adapt, and it helped me grow as a player.”
Even before arriving in Spain, Noah already had a clear objective in mind.
“Before joining IDA, I always knew I wanted to play college soccer.”
Choosing to Continue His Development in Spain
Noah’s first experience with IDA Valencia came through one of the academy’s summer programs. That short stay gave him a first look at the environment and helped him make the decision to return for a longer period.
“I went to one of the summer programs and had an amazing experience. That made me realize I wanted to spend a full year there.”
The transition to Spain, however, came with challenges. Like many international players, Noah needed time to adjust to a new football culture, a different rhythm, and a more demanding daily routine.
“At first it was pretty hard for me to adjust because I felt like I wasn’t playing my best,” he explained. “But as time went on, I continued to adapt, grow, and get comfortable.”
Instead of letting those early difficulties define the experience, he used them as part of his development process.
Building Confidence Through a Demanding Year
During his year in Valencia, Noah was exposed to regular training sessions, competitive matches, and a high-performance environment that challenged him in different areas of the game.
“I think my game has improved in every aspect,” he said. “Playing so many games and having amazing training sessions, I could only grow.”
For him, the biggest challenge was not only adapting technically or tactically. It was also learning how to manage the mental side of the game.
“The biggest challenge I faced was adapting when I first got there. I wasn’t playing well, and that made me struggle mentally and with my confidence.”
Support from teammates and the community around him played an important role in helping him move forward.
“What helped me most was the friends I made while I was staying there. I also trained on my own, which helped me gain a lot of confidence.”
That period away from home also helped Noah grow beyond the field.
“It helped me grow a lot as a player by being in an area you’re not used to and learning how to adapt, even when you’re uncomfortable at first. I also learned not to be so hard on myself.”
Taking Control of the College Recruitment Process
Although college soccer had always been part of Noah’s dream, the opportunity became more concrete when he began taking active steps in the recruitment process.
“I feel like the opportunity became real when I started emailing and calling coaches.”
His approach was direct and proactive. He prepared his materials, reached out to programs, and stayed consistent in the process.
“First I created a highlight reel to send to coaches. Then I reached out to multiple coaches through email and different social media apps.”
That persistence eventually led to his commitment to Columbia College, where he earned both scholarship support and a roster opportunity with the Koalas.
Why Columbia College Was the Right Fit
When deciding on his next destination, Noah looked for a place where he could keep developing as a player while also staying connected to home. Columbia College offered that balance.
“I picked this university because it was close to home, and I felt like I had a great opportunity to grow and become a better player.”
Now, he is ready to experience the next level of his journey.
“I’m most excited to actually play college soccer, see what the level is like, and make new friends.”
Looking Back on the IDA Valencia Experience
For Noah, his year in Spain was more than just another season. It became one of the most important stages of his development so far, both as a player and as a person.
“I felt like IDA was the most important part of my journey as a player. I went through ups and downs and got to experience what it looks like to play at one of the highest international levels.”
His advice to other players considering a similar path is simple, but meaningful.
“Stay in the present and don’t get too far ahead of yourself. And don’t be too hard on yourself.”
As Noah prepares to begin his college soccer career at Columbia College, he takes with him the lessons learned in Valencia: resilience, adaptability, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep progressing. His next chapter with the Koalas will be another challenge, but one he now approaches with the experience of a player who has already learned how to grow outside his comfort zone.
