IDA VALENCIA
Success Stories
From training in Valencia to achieving real opportunities. Discover how our players take the next step in their football journey.
Ida Valencia succes stories
Every player’s journey is different, but they all share one thing in common, a commitment to improving and taking the next step.
Through our programs, players have gone on to secure opportunities in U.S. college soccer, join professional academies, and continue developing at higher levels. These success stories reflect what’s possible when talent meets the right environment, structure, and support.
From development to opportunity
Whether it’s earning a college scholarship, signing with a club, or reaching a new level of performance, each story represents growth, dedication, and the impact of a high-performance environment.
Get to know some of our players
Eddiel Márquez
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At 17, Eddiel Márquez has already reached key milestones in his football journey, including representing Puerto Rico at the U17 international level.
His time at IDA Valencia played an important role in his development, helping him earn national team recognition and continue his progression in Spain with CD Castellón U19 in the División de Honor Juvenil.
From his early days at Puerto Rico Surf to his experience in Valencia and transition into European football, Eddiel’s story reflects how the right environment can open doors, supporting players as they pursue higher levels both on the field and beyond.
Jeremy de León
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At 19, Jeremy De León, an IDA Valencia graduate, reached a significant milestone in his career by securing a professional contract with Real Madrid, one of the world’s most renowned clubs.
His agreement, running through 2026, marks a rapid progression from academy development to the professional stage.
While at Real Madrid, Jeremy gained valuable exposure at the highest level, training with first-team players and making his debut during the club’s U.S. tour. As he continues to grow, he has extended his time with the club and is now on loan at Hércules CF, where he is building experience and continuing his development in a competitive environment.
Harrison Bertos
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Harrison Bertos spent a month at IDA Valencia, using the experience to sharpen his game and adapt to a high-performance training environment. He then continued his development at the University of Washington, where he played an important role during the Huskies’ 2024 season.
His impact at the collegiate level drew attention from MLS scouts, leading to his selection as the 31st overall pick by San Diego FC in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Harrison’s path, from IDA Valencia to college soccer and into the professional game, reflects how the right environment can help players transition to the next level.
Arik Duncan
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After spending a gap year at IDA Valencia to elevate his game and gain valuable experience in a European environment, Arik Duncan took the next step in his career at the University of California, Berkeley. During the 2024 season, he made an immediate impact, leading the team in both goals and total points.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed. In 2025, Arik was selected by CF Montréal in the MLS SuperDraft (44th overall), highlighting the level of preparation, consistency, and growth developed during his time at IDA.
Anton Ardelean
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Anton Ardelean spent time at IDA Valencia, using the experience to develop his game in a competitive, high-performance training environment. During his progression in Spain, he signed with UD Vall de Uxó and CF San José, continuing to build his pathway within the Spanish football system.
A versatile midfielder capable of playing as a CDM or CM, Anton combines tactical discipline with the ability to contribute in different phases of the game. His journey from IDA Valencia into Spanish clubs reflects how the right environment can help international players adapt, grow, and take important steps toward the next level.
Liam Torres
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After joining IDA Valencia, he gained valuable experience adapting to the pace, technical standards, and tactical expectations of the Spanish game.
His progress led him to sign with UD Vall de Uxó and later continue his pathway with CD Castellón, showing his ability to compete and grow within established club structures. As a CM/CAM, Liam offers creativity, composure on the ball, and the capacity to influence the game between midfield and attack.
Coming from Canada, Liam’s path highlights the value of international exposure and how a professional training environment can support players in building confidence, adapting to new challenges, and moving forward in their football careers.
Ben Levav
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For Ben Levav, the opportunity to compete in Spain marked a key moment in his goalkeeping journey. After his time with IDA Valencia, Ben earned a place with Atlético Moncadense, joining their U19 2nd Division setup and taking on the challenge of developing in a demanding Spanish club environment.
As a goalkeeper, Ben’s growth is built around much more than shot-stopping. His role requires leadership from the back, quick decision-making, strong communication, and the confidence to organize the team under pressure. Competing in Spain gives him the chance to sharpen those qualities every day.
Originally from the United States, Ben’s move into the Spanish football system shows his commitment to stepping outside his comfort zone, adapting to a new style of play, and continuing to push himself toward the next stage of his development.
Chase Sperandeo
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Chase Sperandeo’s time in Spain has given him the opportunity to test himself in a professional and highly competitive football setting. As part of IDA Valencia, he has continued to develop the technical, tactical, and mental qualities required of a modern goalkeeper.
His progress also opened the door to trials with CD Castellón, giving him valuable exposure to a strong Spanish club environment and the chance to measure himself against demanding standards.
Coming from the United States, Chase’s journey shows his ambition to grow through international experience, embrace new challenges, and continue building the foundation needed to take the next step in his goalkeeping career.
Emre Cuevas
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Emre Cuevas has shown his ambition by taking his football journey from the Cayman Islands to Spain, where he is currently developing with IDA Valencia. As a RW/ST, Emre brings attacking versatility, pace, and the ability to be dangerous both out wide and through central areas.
His experience in Spain has included trials with SD Oyonesa, giving him the chance to compete in front of a Spanish club and continue proving himself in a new football environment.
A key part of Emre’s story is his connection with the Cayman Islands National Team. Being selected to represent his country adds an important international dimension to his pathway and highlights the progress he has made as a young attacking player. His journey reflects not only his development at club level, but also the pride and responsibility that comes with wearing the national team badge.
Gavin Dick
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Gavin Dick has taken a strong step forward in his football and academic pathway by committing to East Tennessee State University, an NCAA Division I program. This move represents an important opportunity for him to continue competing at a high level while building his future in the U.S. college system.
During his development in Spain, Gavin has been part of CFA Quart de les Valls, where he has continued to grow as an attacking player. Comfortable as a ST or RW, he brings versatility in the final third, with the ability to lead the line, attack wide spaces, and create problems for defenders in different areas of the pitch.
Originally from Scotland, Gavin’s journey reflects a pathway shaped by international experience, adaptability, and long-term ambition. From competing in Spain to preparing for NCAA Division I soccer, his progression shows how exposure to different football environments can open doors both on and off the field.
Kaden Dennis
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Kaden Dennis’ move to Alboraya UD marks an exciting early step in his football journey. By joining the club’s U14 1st Division team, he has entered a competitive youth environment in Spain where he can continue learning, adapting, and developing through regular training and matches.
Coming from the United States, this experience gives Kaden the opportunity to grow within a new football culture and face a different level of competition at an important stage of his development.
His pathway reflects the value of early international exposure and how the right environment can help young players build confidence, gain experience, and continue moving forward in their football journey.
Philip Dzodzo
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Philip Dzodzo has added a new chapter to his football journey with his signing for CD Don Bosco’s U16 1st Division team. This opportunity places him in a competitive youth setting in Spain, where he can continue gaining experience and developing within an established club environment.
For Philip, this step is an important part of his growth as a young player. Moving into the Spanish football system at U16 level gives him the chance to face new demands, adapt to a different style of competition, and keep building his pathway through the game.
Originally from the United States, his progression highlights the value of taking on international challenges early and using those experiences to continue moving forward in his development.
Ryan Basabe
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Ryan Basabe’s story combines club exposure in Spain with the pride of representing Puerto Rico. While developing at IDA Valencia, Ryan has continued building his pathway in an environment that has allowed him to gain experience and visibility within Spanish football.
His trials with CD Castellón and Hércules CF marked important moments in that process, giving him the opportunity to be evaluated by established clubs and continue opening doors for his development.
Being selected with the Puerto Rico National Team makes his journey especially meaningful. It shows how his progress is not only connected to club opportunities, but also to the responsibility and honor of representing his country at international level.
Zao Chéron
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For Zao Chéron, football has become a pathway across different countries and competitive environments. From his experience with CFA Quart de les Valls in Spain to his commitment to the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina, his journey shows a player taking clear steps toward new challenges.
Competing at the NCAA Division II level will give Zao the opportunity to continue developing within the U.S. college system while also pursuing his academic goals.
In addition to his club and college pathway, Zao is also part of the Haiti National Team setup, adding valuable international experience to his profile and strengthening the next stage of his development.
Lucas Miranda
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Lucas Miranda’s football journey has continued to grow through his experience in Spain with CFA Quart de les Valls and his commitment to South Dakota School of Mines, where he will compete at the NCAA Division II level.
This next step gives Lucas the opportunity to combine football and academics in a competitive college environment in the United States, while continuing to build on the experience he gained in Spain.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Lucas’ pathway reflects a clear progression across different football systems, showing how international exposure can help players access new opportunities and continue moving forward in their development.
Jake Jacobi
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Jake Jacobi, goalkeeper and IDA Valencia alum, developed his game in Spain, gaining valuable experience with UD Vall de Uxó before moving on to begin his collegiate career at Virginia Tech.
He has since transferred to the University of Vermont, reigning NCAA Division I national champions, where he continues to compete and grow at the highest level of college soccer.
Jake’s path reflects IDA’s commitment to preparing players for success across both collegiate and professional environments, providing the foundation needed to progress in the game.
Pablo Loinaz
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At just 17, Pablo Loinaz is already establishing himself within Spanish football. A graduate of the International Development Academy (IDA) in Valencia, his journey reflects a strong foundation built on discipline, consistency, and continuous growth.
Following his development at IDA, Pablo earned the opportunity to join the youth system of Villarreal CF, one of Spain’s leading La Liga academies known for producing top talent. His performances and reliability on the field have since led to a renewal with Villarreal’s U19 team, where he continues to develop within a highly competitive and professional environment.
Max Wetzel
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Max Wetzel has built a solid profile through his time with UD Vall de Uxó, where he signed with the U23 team and also gained experience with the first team. That involvement provided him with an important step into a more demanding senior football environment in Spain.
His commitment to Newman University adds the next stage to his pathway, giving him the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division II level in the United States.
With experience in both Spanish club football and the upcoming U.S. college system, Max’s profile reflects a practical progression across competitive environments, supported by his international background from Germany.
Keian Murphy
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Keian Murphy has followed a progressive route within Spanish football, moving through several club environments since his arrival. He signed with UD Vall de Uxó, where he made his debut with the first team, before later continuing his pathway at CFA Quart de les Valls.
His move to CD Teruel U23 represents another step forward, placing him within a club structure whose first team competes in Spain’s third category.
Coming from Australia, Keian’s profile stands out for the experience he has accumulated across different Spanish clubs and for the continuity he has shown in earning opportunities at each stage of his development.
Divin Sokpetin
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Divin Sokpetin is currently developing with IDA Valencia while building a profile that includes both Spanish club exposure and international recognition. His trials with CD Castellón gave him the opportunity to be evaluated within a professional club environment in Spain.
At international level, Divin has been called up by the Benin U17 National Team, an important addition to his pathway at this stage of his development.
With experience in Spain and involvement with his national team setup, Divin’s progression reflects a balanced profile across club and international football.
JD Layman
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JD Layman’s time in Spain has included spells with CD Lealtad and Real Sporting de Gijón, giving him experience within competitive fifth-category club environments.
These steps have allowed him to continue building his profile in the Spanish system, gaining exposure to different standards, structures, and day-to-day demands.
Originally from the United States, JD’s pathway is defined by steady movement through established clubs in Spain and continued progression within a competitive football setting.