From the Global Football archive · Published 2026-04-16. Event dates and plans reflect the original publication.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, IMG Academy is hosting the Global Football Showcase — a fun, exciting, and expanding international event that’s all about growing the game globally.
This year, talented kids U18 from Mexico and Jamaica are teaming up to create one combined squad: Team Americas! These young athletes will hit the field for an 11-on-11 boys tackle jamboree format also including SFA from Florida, starting at 6:00 PM. It’s going to be high-energy, full of heart, and a great chance to showcase the sport’s ever growing evolution worldwide.
Some of the players are arriving early for the full experience — as soon as April 21 for a whole week of training and fun. Others will roll in on April 22 or 23. While they’re here, they’ll get to enjoy everything IMG Academy has to offer:
- Strength training sessions
- Nutrition sessions
- Leadership sessions
- College placement sessions
- Quality accommodations on-campus
- Integration with current IMG student-athletes
- Access to IMGA coaching staff and directors
- Access to Global Football directors
- Coached by IMGA staff and GF staff
- Football showcase in front of the IMGA community
It’s a real taste of what top-level American football development looks like, all while building friendships across cultures.
The big idea behind this Showcase? Continue to grow the game of American football around the world and create some real community vibes on the IMG Academy campus. IMG Academy is the sports Mecca for youth development in the world. We aim to show folks around the globe all that IMGA has to offer.
April 24 is shaping up to be the Game of the Week at IMG — with a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere including:
- Tasty BBQ
- A live DJ
- Awards ceremony
- Other fun community activities to enjoy
It’s not the massive blowout event of the century (yet!), but it’s going to be a blast — and it’s the perfect stepping stone toward even bigger and better Global Football Showcases at IMGA in the future. We’re hoping this sparks a ton of interest from international groups so more teams want to join us next time and beyond!
Whether you’re local, a player’s family, a scout, or just love the sport, come out and be part of it. Cheer on Team Americas, soak up the campus energy, and help us spread the love for football across the globe.
Mark your calendar:
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Kickoff: 6:00 PM Location: IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
