A Day I’ll Never Forget – Training at the Portuguese National Training Centre

By Carson Riddall-Jeffs – CRJ Footballer

There are moments in football that remind you why you put in the extra hours. Why you train when no one is watching. Why you push through the tough days when things don’t go your way.

Today was one of those moments.

I had the incredible opportunity to train at the Portuguese National Training Centre, representing Estoril Praia, alongside a select group of teammates. Even more surreal was that this session was with the Portuguese Senior Women’s National Team, as they prepared for their upcoming match against England Women’s National Team.

For any young footballer, stepping into an environment like this is a dream. It’s an opportunity to test yourself, to measure where you are, and to prove—mostly to yourself—that you belong at this level.

This was a chance to showcase everything I’ve been working on. Every touch, every pass, every sprint. With Portuguese national team coaches and scouts watching from the sidelines, the focus had to be sharp, the execution had to be perfect, and the effort had to be undeniable.

Driving Through the National Training Centre Gates

The moment we arrived at the National Training Centre, it hit me. This is where the best players in Portugal prepare. This is where the national team builds its future. The facilities were world-class, but beyond the size of the complex, there was a different energy here. Everything felt sharper, more serious, more professional.

I stepped out of the car and took it all in. The crisp air, the pristine fields, the realization that for the next few hours, I would be training in the same place where legends of the game had trained.

This was no ordinary training session.

Walking Into the National Team Locker Rooms

Inside the training facility, we were led to the locker rooms. It was impossible not to think about the names that had been here before. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, João Félix. Players who had worn the Portugal crest on the biggest stages in the world had walked through these halls, prepared for battle in these very rooms.

Now, it was my turn.

When we got to our section, we were handed Portugal National Team training kits. Wearing that crest, even just for a day, felt like a responsibility. A reminder that today was about more than just showing up. It was about executing like I belonged at this level.

Food in the Locker Room, Details at the Highest Level

One of the things that stood out right away was the level of detail. In the locker room, there was actual food prepared for players before training.

It wasn’t just snacks—it was a selection of proper meals designed for high-performance athletes. It made me realize just how different things are at the top level. Here, every detail matters. Everything is structured for peak performance, from training to recovery to nutrition.

That kind of preparation allows players to train at their highest level every day.

Stepping Onto a Pitch That Felt Like Carpet

When we walked onto the pitch, it didn’t feel like grass—it felt like carpet. The surface was flawless, designed to allow players to play at their absolute best.

Every pass rolled perfectly. Every touch felt cleaner. There was no worrying about awkward bounces or rough patches—just pure, uninterrupted football.

But as amazing as the facilities were, the moment I stepped onto the field, all I could think about was the session ahead. I wasn’t just here to admire the surroundings—I was here to compete, perform, and prove myself.

Training With the Best Players in Portugal

The session started, and the intensity was exactly what I expected. Everything was faster. The passing drills were sharp, movement was precise, and the technical ability of the Portuguese Women’s National Team players was on another level.

It didn’t matter that I was training with a different squad. Football is football, and the standards are always high at this level.

The biggest difference from what I was used to? Speed of play and decision-making.

There was no extra second to think. You had to read the game before the ball even arrived at your feet. Every touch had to have a purpose. Every movement had to be intentional.

This was exactly the kind of challenge I wanted.

Playing With Scouts and National Team Coaches Watching

The moment I stepped onto the pitch, I could feel the eyes on the sideline.

National team coaches. Scouts. Analysts. Mostly watching the women’s national team, but that didn’t matter. Every training session is a chance to make an impression.

There’s no telling who’s watching, and in football, opportunities don’t always come when you expect them. That’s why you always have to train at your highest level.

It wasn’t about trying to do too much—it was about doing the basics at an elite level. Clean passes, quick decisions, intelligent movement. Every touch needed to send a message: I belong here.

Sharing the Experience With My Teammates

One of the best parts of the day was experiencing it with a small group of my teammates from Estoril Praia.

We all knew how big this moment was, and we pushed each other to perform. When you train at this level, every player around you makes you better. Seeing my teammates hold their own against top players just added to the motivation.

Football is individual in some ways, but at the end of the day, it’s about competing together, growing together, and elevating each other.

Final Thoughts – A Day That Raised My Standards

Walking back to the locker room after training, I felt grateful. Not just for the opportunity, but for everything it showed me.

This is the level I want to be at.

This is the standard I have to meet every day.

This is why I made the move to Europe—to push myself into environments that demand the absolute best.

It was a glimpse of what’s possible. But it also reminded me of the work that still needs to be done.

Football is about earning your place, proving yourself every time you step on the field, and never being satisfied with where you are. Today was one of the best experiences of my journey so far. Tomorrow, it’s back to the training pitch to keep improving.

Because the next time I step onto a pitch like this, I don’t just want to train here—I want to belong here permanently.

More to come…of course!

Stay Connected With My Journey

For anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s like to pursue football in Europe, this is just the beginning. Follow CRJ Footballer for more behind-the-scenes experiences, insights, and the real truth about chasing this dream.

If you have questions about playing in Europe, moving abroad for football, or what training at this level is really like, feel free to reach out. This journey is tough, but for those willing to put in the work, it’s possible.

The best is yet to come.