Elite Clubs National League expands player identification program and National Training Camp
ECNL/id2 PDP Web page | ECNL/id2 National Training Camp Web page
ECNL website
RICHMOND, VA. (Jan. 9, 2012) –The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) has significantly expanded its player identification program for the 2011-12 season, announcing the introduction of 10 Player Development Programs to be held across the country in early 2012, and an expanded National Training Camp in July. Both the Player Development Programs and the National Training Camp are part of US Club Soccer’s id2 National Identification and Development Program.
The ECNL / id2 Player Development Programs will provide an opportunity for the top players within every ECNL Conference at the 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 age groups to play with and against the best players within their region at multiple age groups, and to attend presentations from leading coaches or experts in elite athlete development. The ECNL / id2 Player Development Programs have been created with three primary goals: (i) identify the top players within each ECNL conference at multiple age groups; (ii) provide a developmental experience; and (iii) recognize and reward individual performance and achievement.
Players are selected for the ECNL / id2 Player Development Programs based on their performance in ECNL competitions and recommendations from coaches. Each Player Development Program will occur over two days and will include three training sessions/matches and a presentation for the players. All players will also receive Nike training gear.
There are no costs for participation in the ECNL / id2 Player Development Programs, as the ECNL covers all staffing, facility rental, and equipment costs. The only responsibility for participating players will be the cost of travel and accommodation (where necessary). The ECNL / id2 Player Development Program schedule is available on the ECNL website. The lists of participating players will be distributed before each event.
The 2012 ECNL / id2 National Training Camp will invite approximately 90 players from the 1993-1996 birth years to a four-day camp to be held in July 2012. Players will be invited to participate in the National Training Camp based upon their performance in ECNL competitions and in the ECNL / id2 Player Development Programs over the course of the year. Further information on the 2012 ECNL / id2 National Training Camp will be provided in the coming weeks.
“By adding the ECNL / id2 Player Development Programs and expanding the National Training Camp, the ECNL is providing an opportunity for more than 600 of the best players in the country to be identified and scouted for youth national teams and colleges – all at virtually no cost to the players,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “Just as importantly, by integrating the scouting process into ECNL competitions and by involving the club coaches that work with these players on a daily basis, there are few additional calendar demands imposed on the players.”
About the ECNL:
The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) Improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league with multiple flights; (ii) Improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for the U.S. Soccer youth national teams through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.
http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com
About US Club Soccer:
US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. A member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001, US Club Soccer has grown to include member clubs and leagues in all 50 states. In addition to sanctioning and administering tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup. US Club Soccer also directs its own player identification and development program – id2.
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