ECNL Player ID Program

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04 March 2010

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THE PROGRAM

In conjunction with US Club Soccer, the ECNL has developed a player identification program to identify players with the potential to play with the US Youth National Teams and provide opportunities for these players to be seen and trained by U.S. Soccer National Team staff (the "ECNL Player ID Program"). In 2009-10, the ECNL Player ID Program will focus on the 1994, 1995 and 1996 age groups through a systematic scouting process established by the ECNL at ECNL competitions. By scouting players in their regular team environment, while they are competing against the best players in the country, the ECNL Player ID Program will increase opportunities for identified players at no additional cost to the players.

THE PROCESS:

ECNL scouts will be assigned to observe and analyze games involving the 1994, 1995 and 1996 age groups at each ECNL event.  A standardized evaluation program has been established by the ECNL for these scouts whereby identified players will be evaluated on a variety of technical, tactical, physical, and psychological characteristics based upon their performances.  The performance of identified players will be tracked over time through a unique database provided to the ECNL by ZOOM REPORTS.

In February 2010, approximately 30 players from the 1994 age group, combined with approximately 30 additional players from the 1995 and 1996 age groups, will be invited to participate in a National Camp sponsored by US Club Soccer's id2 Program, and co-sponsored by the ECNL.  The camp will be at no charge to any of the invited players (except transportation to and from the camp), and will be staffed by U.S. Soccer National Team staff as well as top youth coaches from throughout the country.

In addition to the scouting program, the ECNL works closely with US Club Soccer id2 staff to solicit recommendations of top players from coaches throughout the ECNL.

THE FUTURE:

As the ECNL grows, the player identification program will grow in tandem with it. The ECNL Player ID Program will eventually encompass an elaborate scouting system that tracks and rates the performance of top players within the league at all age groups, throughout their youth careers.