09 Oct 2025
The 11th Aspire Academy Global Summit 2025 concluded two inspiring days of dialogue, innovation, and collaboration at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, bringing together global leaders in sport and marking the successful close of its first-ever edition in the United States.
Organised in partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) and in collaboration with the Philadelphia Union, the 11th edition of the Aspire Academy Global Summit brought together over 400 participants from across the global football community, including coaches, technical directors, educators, and decision-makers, united by a shared commitment to advancing the game through education, insight, and collaboration.
Among day two’s highlights were three Star Chats featuring two World Cup-winning players in Italy’s Alessandro Nesta and the USA’s Carli Lloyd, as well as an icon from American football, Ron Jaworski. The dialogue, discussions, and practical sessions continued at Subaru Park for a second day, building on the first day, which had featured a Masterclass by Rafa Benitez, former manager of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, as well as a Star Chat with Sir Gareth Southgate, former England National Team Manager. The opening day concluded with a Gala Dinner in the stunning surroundings of Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute, with the guests treated to insights from MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Ahead of the Star Chats, there was an informative roundtable looking at “Managing Congested Calendars.” Representatives from US Soccer, AC Milan, and Urawa Red Diamonds addressed one of football’s most pressing challenges: the growing demand for competitions. They explored strategies to help players manage both the physical and mental demands of an increasingly intense schedule.
The attendees were treated to an exclusive Star Chat with Alessandro Nesta, former AC Milan captain and FIFA World Cup winner, as he spoke about his transition from player to coach, sharing, “The moment I stopped thinking like a player and started thinking like a coach was when I truly changed. My motivation has always been driven by competition, the desire to win and excel. Coaching is about psychology, trust, and understanding every player. Today’s players are different, and we must adapt to bring out their best. After a loss is when leadership really matters, and that’s when passion keeps you going.”
A central theme of the second day was the continued rise of women’s football, reflecting the global growth and investment shaping the game’s future. One of the highlights was a Star Chat with two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd, in conversation with Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya. Sharing her experiences, Lloyd said: “Preparation is everything; it’s the foundation of success. You must be consistent in your training, stay disciplined, and continue putting in the hard work, even when no one is watching. Every player reaches a point where talent isn’t enough; it’s about how much you’re willing to give, day in and day out. You have to find that motivation within yourself to be your best for you first. The game will always test you through setbacks and challenges, but those are the moments that define your character. For me, it’s always been about the process: the grind, the repetition, and the preparation that builds confidence. At the end of the day, it’s just a game of success; you have to give it your all and always focus on the preparation.”
Her words set the tone for the following roundtable on “New Frontiers in Women’s Soccer,” where representatives from the Italian and Brazilian Football Federations, as well as the National Women’s Soccer League, discussed development pathways, visibility, and the cultural momentum driving the women’s game forward. Speakers noted that while women have made remarkable strides in the game, coaching pathways remain uneven. Many female coaches still lack access to robust professional development systems, tailored training for managing women’s teams, and the visibility their achievements deserve.
The culmination of the focus on the women’s game saw Denise Reddy, a former player and assistant coach for the US Women’s National Team, conducting a practical session with the girls from clubs in the Philadelphia area. Another coaching clinic on the pitch was led by José Tavares, the Academy Director at Portuguese club FC Porto, during which participants from the Philadelphia Union’s academy had the opportunity to see elite-level methodology applied in real time, reinforcing the Summit’s vision of connecting theory with practice.
Innovation and technology also featured on Day Two with the discussion “Sports Tech in Soccer: Where Are We?” bringing together experts from Major League Soccer (MLS), Juventus, and Aspire Academy to explore the growing influence of data and digital tools in football. Speakers highlighted that while access to data has never been greater, its true power lies in interpretation, turning information into insights that drive tactical decisions, performance, and player development.
Reflecting this spirit of innovation, Aspire Academy introduced a new e-gym product that it has been developing, called Blind/Off. The interactive technology that delivers instant feedback and analysis for individual or group training is now being adapted for mobile use to help athletes enhance performance wherever they are.
Moving away from traditional football, briefly, there was a lively discussion with Ron Jaworski, a former NFL quarterback, who brought a powerful cross-sport perspective. He spoke about how he had learnt from other sports, pointing out that others can follow suit in areas such as leadership, communication, and adaptability. He reflected on the shared principles that unite all coaches, emphasising the ability to inspire, connect, and lead from within. Noting that while tactics and technology evolve, leadership remains the driving force behind every great team.
“At the heart of every sport, whether it’s soccer, rugby, or football, coaching is about leadership. True leadership starts from within; if you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead anyone else. The great coaches I’ve met all share one thing in common: they connect with their players, they communicate with clarity, and they adapt. Strategy may change, technology may evolve, but leadership remains the constant that drives teams to greatness.”
Attendees also took part in specialised workshops to further discuss the 2025 Aspire Academy Global Summit topics, featuring members of the Aspire in the World Fellows. It offered them a chance to further share ideas and suggest ways to evolve and develop global football.
In closing remarks, Valter Di Salvo, Director of Football Performance and Science, Aspire Academy, said: “At Aspire Academy, our purpose is to create environments where learning never stops, for players, coaches and organisations alike.”
“This year’s event showed how powerful it is when the global football community comes together to share knowledge and challenge itself to keep improving. So, what’s next? Next for us starts immediately! We are bringing our Workshop Tour to Europe for the first time, with a debut event in Bucharest, Romania, next year. And we are already planning for the 12th edition of the Aspire Academy Global Summit, with the venue to be announced soon.”