SA FAQ

About SA

  • The Summer Academy is a 7 week experience that will challenge you to deepen your faith while you raise the level of your game. Our goal for you is that you learn what it means to be a sports minister while working towards becoming a better player.

    Over the course of seven weeks, you will be trained how to integrate your faith into the game, play matches locally and internationally, coach soccer camps for kids, receive quality training sessions, and be a part of a community of believers.

  • During the Summer Academy, you, along with 40 other athletes, will be going through our Sports Ministry Training (SMT) curriculum. It's designed to help you practically integrate your faith into both sport and your daily life.

    So you're not just coming to "do" the ministry for the Chicago Eagles - you ARE the ministry! You are our priority! And we want your experience to be one that will have an eternal impact in your life!

Application & Finances

  • 1. You can begin this process by clicking the Application link here.

    2. Once you’ve applied and secured two references, we’ll set up a phone interview. If selected, you’ll need to send a $250 deposit to hold your spot.

    3. Once your spot is confirmed, you’ll begin receiving information that will assist you in your preparation.

  • Final payment for the entire Summer Academy is due the day you arrive.

  • Additional funds minus 10% can be used to reimburse travel expenses for getting to and from Chicago with proof of receipt for up to $300 (flights or gas).

    Keeping in mind that MAI has complete control over all donated funds, additional funds will remain within the Chicago Eagles Summer Academy program and will be used for furthering God’s Kingdom.

  • You will get paid for each FULL week of camp you work during the summer ($250/week for 3 weeks= $750 before taxes). You will receive a direct deposit from the Chicago Eagles at the end of the summer.

  • You will receive weekly emails regarding incoming donations.

Program & Routine

  • You will be staying in hotels for brief periods throughout the summer (mainly upon arrival, following tour, and for departure).

    You will be staying in host homes from the churches with whom we are partnering over the summer. You will stay at a different host homes each week but will always have 1 or more of your teammates with you

  • In Chicagoland, some of our meals will be provided by the churches, some by the host homes, and many will be Eagle’s team meals. While in Chicago, you should anticipate paying for 1-2 meals per week.

    In Brazil all the meals will be provided.

  • Once you arrive in Chicago, all transportation will be provided including flights to/from Brazil and all Chicagoland travel. Gas will be provided for those who choose to be drivers for the summer.

  • If you decide to be a driver for the summer you will be expected to drive to/from ministry events with your fellow teammates.

    Eagles will pay for gas going to and from ministry events, training sessions, and games only. All other gas expenses will be up to the driver.

    Drivers will be provided an oil change at the end of the summer on the Chicago Eagles.

    The owner of the car/driver will be responsible for any fines, tickets, or accidents that could occur throughout the summer.

  • Of course! We love when families/friends come to visit but please make sure they find their own accommodations as we will not be able to house any extra people for the summer.

  • We would really prefer if you didn’t leave during the Academy at all, but we understand that there are some things that cannot be avoided. We will need to talk about why you would need to leave and for how long and must approve of your absence.

    Leaving during camps could affect your pay for the summer.

  • You will be given a complete packing list before you come with all you will need for the Academy. This list is available on Playmetrics

  • Yes, if you need to take a class over the summer we will try to accommodate your situation, but there may be limited access to wifi while overseas.

    If possible, we would recommend not taking classes that could limit your availability to be fully present during the summer. So classes that require you to be present for lectures or tests at certain times may be difficult.

  • Yes! There are numerous internship opportunities available to participants. If you are interested in this possibility, please talk with us.

  • Camp Set Up / Devotions
    Coach at Soccer Camps
    Lunch
    Free time
    Training or Match
    Dinner

Soccer

  • Our ministry has seen its cultural impact in over 35 countries where we’ve taken teams. Soccer is VERY important to us! We love this game, whether you call it “football” or “soccer”! But let’s bring it closer to home - you love this game and you want to improve! The Summer Academy is designed to assist you in raising the level of your game.

    Our hope and prayer is that as you engage in this fun, competitive environment, your love for this game will grow even more! As it does, we hope you see the countless opportunities that you have to use the talents God has given you for His glory!

  • The Academy consists of a men’s and a women’s collegiate-level team, 16-20 players for each team.

    Players have come from 75 different colleges and universities around the U.S., as well as eleven countries around the world.

  • During tour, each team will play several matches, along with countless small-sided and pick-up games.

    Following the international trip, we return to Chicago where both teams will play highly competitive matches around Chicagoland.

    During those five weeks in Chicago, we will train 3-4 times per week.

    We will conduct fitness tests at the beginning and end of the Academy, specifically preparing you for your fall season.

    You will have access to a fitness center.

    Our focus is on preparing you to be ready for your college's pre-season!

  • Yes, we do have an Athletic Trainer on staff.

    If an injury occurs during the program that requires extended recovery (more than a week) or surgery we will require that you return home to receive adequate care.

  • Yes, we train mostly at a local High School and will have access to their gym/field/track during certain hours

Tour

  • Yes, we do have an Athletic Trainer on staff.

    We will have other contacts and medical resources available as needed.

  • During our time in Brazil, we will be staying with church partners either at the church's facilities or retreat center.

  • In general, many countries that require a visa to enter will require at least six 6-month passport months validity on your passport when entering the country.

  • Starting from April 10th, 2025, passport holders from Australia, Canada, and the United States will require a visa for entry into Brazil. If you already possess a valid physical visa in your passport for your visit's purpose, you do not need to apply for a new visa. Apply and learn more here.

  • You will just need money for extra snacks, Gifts and Souvenirs. For you to have an idea, one bowl of Acai or Ice Cream is about R$ 10 to R$ 50. Bag of chips or cookies from R$ 8 to R$ 30. A Soccer Jersey is about R$ 300. Below some links to brazilian store so you can have an idea:

    Chips, Chocolates, Soccer Jerseys, Havaianas (flip flops)….

  • Exchange in USA before SA - Not really recommended when we talk about fees, but if you don't want to waste time on your free day in Brazil or want to make sure we have some Reais on day one, do it before tour. Using your Credit Card will be the easiest option - call your bank before!

    Exchange in Brazil when you go to the Mall - You can exchange some money in a Currency Exchange office at Malls in Brazil.

    Withdraws at ATMs - At most Brazilian ATMs, you can use your bank debit card to obtain cash in reais. ​Caution: In addition to a 2 to 3% foreign transaction fee that the issuing bank may likely charge for cash withdrawals from an ATM when you use your Visa or MasterCard debit card, you may also be charged an additional fee or fees.

  • You can pay with debit/credit cards almost everywhere in Brazil. This is actually the most comfortable option and it is also possible in small shops or beach bars. While American Express is widely accepted in bigger cities, MasterCard and VISA are more common all over the country.

    Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account and to insure that your PIN will work while you are abroad.