From Canada to Portugal
The Major Differences Between Football Training in North America and Europe
By Carson Riddall-Jeffs, 16-year-old footballer on my European journey
If you had told me a year ago that I’d be training with some of the best young footballers in Portugal, living in a new country, and playing football twice a day, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am—far from the turf fields of Canada, training in a professional academy, and experiencing first-hand the major differences between football in North America and Europe.
This journey hasn’t been easy. Leaving behind my friends, family, and everything familiar wasn’t something I took lightly. But if I want to play at the highest level, I knew I had to challenge myself in the best environment possible. And now, after months of training in Portugal, I can say with certainty that football in Europe is an entirely different world.
Let me take you through the biggest differences I’ve noticed since making the leap from Canada to Europe—and why I think every serious young footballer should at least consider this path.
1. Training Frequency – From 3 Sessions a Week to 10+ Sessions a Week
Back in Canada, my typical week looked like this:
Two or three team training sessions a week (if lucky).
One game on the weekend.
Extra work on my own (if I had access to space, decent weather, and the motivation to push myself).
For many young players in North America, that’s normal. You train when your club schedules it, and beyond that, you have to figure out individual training on your own.
Now, let’s talk about Portugal.
At Estoril Praia, my training schedule is completely different. I train twice a day, five to six days a week. That means I’m getting at least 10 structured training sessions a week—plus matches.
Morning sessions: Focus on technical work, individual skill development, and position-specific training.
Afternoon sessions: More team-based, tactical work, fitness, and match scenarios.
Extra sessions: I often get the chance to train with older age groups, which means I’m constantly pushed beyond my comfort zone.
The biggest difference? Time on the ball.
In Canada, I had to fight to get touches. Here, I’m on the ball every single day, working on my technique, speed of play, and decision-making. In just a few months, I’ve seen massive improvements.
2. The Intensity and Tactical Focus in Europe
Football in Europe isn’t just about running drills and playing games—it’s about understanding the game at a much deeper level.
In Canada, training sessions were intense, but the focus was more about playing hard rather than playing smart. The emphasis was often on physicality, athleticism, and effort, rather than tactical understanding.
In Portugal, it’s different. Here, every single drill, training session, and match has a purpose.
Tactical discipline is everything. I’m learning how to move off the ball, read the game, and make the right decisions in high-pressure situations.
Speed of play is much faster. In Canada, you might get a second or two to control the ball, look up, and make a pass. In Portugal, if you take too long, you’ve already lost possession.
Positioning and awareness matter more than just skill. You can be the most technically gifted player, but if you don’t know where to be at the right time, you won’t survive in this environment.
Every day, I’m being pushed to think faster, move smarter, and execute with precision—things I never truly experienced in Canada.
3. Playing Against Older, Stronger, and Faster Players
One of the biggest game-changers for me in Portugal is playing against older players on a regular basis.
In Canada, I played against kids my own age most of the time. Sure, there were a few instances where I’d play up an age group, but overall, I was comfortable.
Here? Comfort doesn’t exist.
I’ve been thrown into training sessions with players one, two, even three years older than me.
I’ve had to adapt to faster decision-making, more physicality, and a much higher level of technical ability.
Every session, I feel like I’m fighting to prove I belong—which is exactly what I need to keep improving.
At first, it was a shock. The pace, the physical battles, and the expectations were on another level. But after a few weeks, I started to adjust, grow, and improve in ways I never thought possible.
4. Football Culture: A Lifestyle, Not Just a Sport
In Canada, football is growing, but it’s still not the number one sport. Hockey, basketball, and American football dominate. Many young players play football as just one of their sports.
In Portugal, football is life.
The mentality is different. Every kid here dreams of being a professional. There’s no “playing for fun”—it’s a job, a passion, a lifestyle.
Coaches expect more. There’s no sugarcoating mistakes. If you’re not performing, you hear about it. It’s tough, but it’s also what pushes you to get better.
The pressure is real. In North America, you might get 50-100 people at a youth game. Here, scouts, agents, and club representatives are watching from the stands, analyzing every touch you take.
I love this intensity because it forces me to always be at my best. There’s no room to coast.
5. The Pathway to Professional Football is Clearer
In Canada, the path to professional football is uncertain. Many players aim for a college scholarship, which is great, but it’s not always the best route for those who want to play at the highest level.
In Europe, the pathway is much clearer.
If you’re good enough, you get noticed early.
You can move up through youth academy systems that feed into professional clubs.
You don’t have to wait until you’re 18+ to get a shot—many top European clubs sign young players at 16, 17, or even younger.
That’s the difference. Here, I feel like I’m in a system designed to help players reach their full potential.
Final Thoughts: Why Europe is a Game-Changer
Making the move from Canada to Portugal was one of the biggest decisions of my life—but it was also the best decision I’ve ever made.
The training, the intensity, the competition—it’s all at a level I never could have experienced back home.
It’s not easy. There are tough days, moments of doubt, and challenges that push me to my limits. But that’s exactly why I’m here. If I want to become the best version of myself as a footballer, I need to be in an environment that forces me to grow every single day.
For any young player in North America who’s serious about football—this is the path. Europe isn’t just an option. It’s the place where footballers are made.
And I’m just getting started.
Are You Ready for the Next Level?
If you’re a young footballer (or a parent) wondering how to make this move, I’d love to share what I’ve learned. Follow NXTLVL Footballer for insider tips, relocation advice, and exclusive guides on how to take your game to the next level in Europe.
The opportunity is out there—you just have to take the leap.
Carson