On the eve of Dragon Force’s 17th anniversary, 14 young Italians enjoyed an unforgettable morning at the PortoGaia Training and Development Centre. Selected at an FC Porto World Camp in Italy and enrolled in the latest edition of the Youth Football Tour, the talented youngsters had the opportunity to meet the first-team players and coaching staff at the blue-and-white football headquarters, where they were welcomed by fellow countryman Francesco Farioli.

Organised in various countries, the FC Porto World Camps have brought thousands of children closer to FC Porto season after season, spreading the Club’s training methodology around the globe. In the past year alone, the World Camps welcomed 1,500 participants from 12 different nationalities.

The Youth Football Tours, meanwhile, allow these thousands of young players from abroad to enjoy memorable experiences at FC Porto’s facilities – from New Balance Park to Olival, as well as the Museum and the Estádio do Dragão.

These programmes enable FC Porto to continue establishing itself as an international benchmark in youth development: between 2024 and 2025, around five thousand youngsters had the chance to train under the Dragons’ methodology, in Italy and other countries, consolidating the global expansion of the blue-and-white brand.

Italy: a Strategic and Close Bond

The relationship with the Italian public has been one of the Club’s main priorities. In just two years, through its partnership with Team Italia Sport Services (TISS), 23 World Camps were held on Italian soil, involving more than 1,300 participants.

In 2024, 11 camps took place in cities such as Naples, Benevento, Rome, Verona, Tuscany, Misano Adriatico, Rivisondoli, Sestola and Sicily. In 2025, the number rose to 12 camps, covering even more regions: Emilia Romagna, Liguria, Piedmont, Abruzzo, Marche, Veneto, Lazio and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

These figures are further reinforced by two Coaching Clinics – training sessions organised under the umbrella of FC Porto Football Sciences – held in Italy and already attended by more than 100 local coaches, who have been trained in the blue-and-white methodology, strengthening the transfer of technical and scientific knowledge.

Youth Football Tour: Italy and Beyond

The link with Italy was also reflected in the Youth Football Tour which, since 2024, has brought around 60 players to experience life at FC Porto.

These young talents, like thousands of others from different countries, trained and competed at top-class facilities such as New Balance Park and Olival, visited the FC Porto Museum and the Estádio do Dragão, and even attended first-team matches. A full immersion in the Porto identity, strengthening both emotional and sporting ties with the Club.

A Programme of Global Reach

Despite the strong presence in Italy, the World Camps and Youth Football Tours are today truly global initiatives. Over the past two years alone – with the support of partners such as Inspiresport, SportMadness and TISS – they have involved around 5,000 participants of 27 different nationalities, with particular emphasis on the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.

Through the World Camps, the Dragons reach thousands of children and young people every year. With the Youth Football Tours, they offer unique experiences to international teams and participants. With the Coaching Clinics, they train coaches and share knowledge.