We are thrilled to share the highlights from our most recent Global Bowl Series event in Puerto Rico, held April 29 – May 3, 2026, with the IMG Academy Ascender Elite football program. This marked our fifth installment of the series, and the experience surpassed every expectation. From the moment we arrived in San Juan, the warmth and hospitality of our Puerto Rican hosts were evident throughout the week, creating an atmosphere of seamless organization, genuine partnership, and a shared passion for growing the game of football.
The week began with travel from Florida, hotel check-in, and welcome activities including beach and pool time followed by a fabulous team dinner at the hotel. Practices started the next morning, complemented by authentic local experiences such as lunch at a traditional chinchorro —offering genuine flavors of lechón, chicken, rice, and beans. The group also participated in the impactful KILELENI Leadership Cave Tour, which provided meaningful team-building and personal reflection within the Puerto Rican rainforest. Cultural immersion continued with a walking tour of historic Old San Juan, all while maintaining focus on daily football sessions, academic commitments, treatments, and evening dinners at local establishments. Every element of the itinerary was thoughtfully designed to develop both athletic excellence and personal growth.
Game day on Saturday stood out as the pinnacle of the trip. After a focused pre-game meal, the Ascender Elite team conducted an American Football Youth Clinic for over 100+ local youth before competing against PR Legacy in a competitive and well-attended matchup. The day concluded with post-game ceremonies and a memorable awards banquet shared with our hosts, capping off an outstanding week of competition and connection.
We extend our deepest appreciation to all local coordinators who hosted us. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and heartfelt hospitality created an environment where the athletes, friends, and families that joined us felt truly welcomed. The local football community opened their doors and their hearts, making this far more than a standard international trip. Their dedication and enthusiasm were instrumental to the success of the entire week, and we are incredibly grateful for the way they embraced our group as their own.
We also want to extend a special thank you to Legacy Sports Agency and its founder, Coach Gerardo Rodriguez, along with his parents Zae Olmo and Armando Rodriguez, for their outstanding leadership and dedication in making this Global Bowl possible. As Coach Rodriguez reflected:
“As I had time to reflect from the event, Legacy and Global Football formed to bring the IMG Ascender Elite to Puerto Rico for the first time ever. There were some major milestones fulfilled. Never did I imagine to see such a powerhouse come to a small island to compete, learn about our culture and love it so much in such a short amount of time. People thought it was impossible since football in the island is very small and the only things that people say whenever Legacy says things will happen, they tend to look the other way because they don’t believe it until they see it.
This past weekend we showed everyone the capabilities that can be done with a big brand team and how far the game can take a person around the world. Football is not just about playing but the bonds and relationships formed along with the amazing experience such as the cave tours — life changing memories that will last forever. Seeing the parents happy with the venue, field trips, cuisine, our kids and parents just gives me a sense of joy, gratitude and best of all a dream complete. But it doesn’t end there since this lit up a fire in me to not just host IMG more often and more teams from the US and around the world. I want to use Global Football to take me and the families around the world to compete and gather new experiences as a country!
With all that being said I want to thank IMG and Global Football for choosing our island to make this game and grow the sport! It was an amazing experience for our players and families! See you next year!”
Gerardo Rodriguez, Director/Founder of Legacy Sports Agency
This Global Bowl represented more than competition — it contributed meaningfully to the development of football on the island. Through the youth clinic, competitive game, and ongoing dialogue, local players gained valuable exposure to high-level coaching and competition. We are confident these experiences will help elevate programs across Puerto Rico and inspire the next generation of athletes. Initiatives like this are central to Global Football’s mission: expanding opportunities and building the game worldwide.
To every young man and woman on the IMG Academy Ascender Elite roster: thank you. You trained with purpose, competed with integrity, and represented your program with excellence both on and off the field. Your engagement during the youth clinic, leadership during cultural activities, and commitment throughout the week were impressive. Experiences like these build character and create memories that endure well beyond the season. A special thank you to the leadership team of Kyle Brey and Matt Lane, who continue to say yes to these experiences.
We are especially grateful to the families who traveled with us. Your presence, support from the sidelines, and active participation enriched the entire journey. Thank you for trusting Global Football with this opportunity and for being an integral part of the experience.
Thank you all for choosing our island to be part of Global Football!!!!
It was an amazing experience for our players and families!!!
– Zae Olmo, Puerto Rican Leader, Doer, and overall amazing woman!
We look forward to future Global Bowl Series events and continued collaboration with outstanding programs like IMG Academy and Legacy Sports Agency. If your team is interested in meaningful international competition and development opportunities, we invite you to connect with us.
@Coach0z or @GlobalSportsGuy on X/Twitter or Instagram
Photos in the gallery by Fabían Ortiz and Mitch Osadchuk
