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International Pathways Experience (IPE)

Train and play abroad with DC Eleven. For players who are serious about exposure.

CompeteBy invitationRise stage and up
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Players in red and black and players in green contest the ball in a match on an artificial pitch in Spain.

Serious about exposure?

IPE is by invitation, for players at the Rise stage (U11 to U12) and above who want to train and compete in another country. Our coaches can make exceptions. Girls and boys travel with us.

What IPE is

The International Pathways Experience (IPE) is DC Eleven’s trip abroad for players who want to train and compete at an international level. Players train with coaches in another country, play friendly matches and see how the game is played there. We started IPE in 2023 to live out our mission: prepare footballers for the global stage.

How IPE fits the pathway

IPE sits next to Elite Academy. It is open to players at the Rise stage (U11 to U12) and above, and our coaches can make exceptions. It is by invitation, optional, and priced separately from Elite Academy dues.

Where we have been

  • 2023: Marbella, Spain. Our first IPE. Players trained twice a day, played friendly matches and joined cultural excursions.
  • 2024: Marbella, Spain. Teams from U10 to U17 trained and played friendlies together.
  • 2025: Costa del Sol, Spain. The Diamond Cup Experience. Training, friendly matches against academy teams and a day trip to Granada.
  • 2026: Porto, Portugal, and Costa del Sol, Spain. Two trips in November.

IPE 2026

Porto, Portugal (U14 and older), Nov. 18 to 23. Training and tactical workshops with FC Porto Academy coaches, matches against local sides, and tours of Estádio do Dragão and the FC Porto Museum. A partnership with Axler8 Sports Entertainment (ASE).

Marbella, Spain, Costa del Sol (U12 and younger), Nov. 23 to 29. The Diamond Cup Experience. Daily training, friendly matches, a Mundialito tournament, beach soccer and a guided tour.

Our partners

In 2026 we are working with Axler8 Sports Entertainment (ASE) and FC Porto Academy.

From our trips

  • A mixed group of young players in DC Eleven kit stand in a line listening to coaches on a pitch.
  • Teenage players in light blue and red tops warm up together before training.
  • Players in black training kit work on a ball drill on a grass pitch with mountains in the background.
  • A player in red is challenged by two opponents in green in front of empty red stadium seats.
  • Two young players, one in a pink bib and red headband, challenge for a yellow ball.
  • A goalkeeper dives to block the ball at the feet of an attacker in a light blue kit.
  • Young players in striped shirts and blue bibs scrimmage for the ball.
  • Two girls in light blue and red training tops take part in a dribbling drill.
  • An older player in a light blue kit dribbles past a defender in black during a match.
  • A goalkeeper catches the ball while players in red rush the goal.

Already registered for a trip?

Your itinerary, packing list and updates for this year's trip are shared directly with registered families. Questions? Email us and we'll help.

Call 202-505-7530 Text 202-505-7530
International Pathways Experience
ipe@dcxiproject.com

Where next

  • Compete

    Elite Academy

    Year-round teams for players ready to make soccer their main sport. A real pathway to college and beyond.