Held each summer, the id2 National Training Camp brings together the nation’s top youth players for five days of competition, evaluation and fun.  Players are identified to participate in the id2 National Training Camp as a result of a yearlong scouting program.  An invitation only event, the id2 National Training Camp seeks to identify and develop the country’s best players for inclusion in US Soccer’s youth national team programs.  US Soccer Youth Development Program staff are in attendance at the id2 National Training Camp to monitor players’ performances.

Once players arrive at the id2 National Training Camp, US Club Soccer covers all player expenses.  Players’ training uniforms, balls, bags and other equipment are provided by Nike, the Official Equipment Supplier of US Club Soccer.

After hosting over 100 U13 boys at the inaugural id2 National Training Camp in 2004, the 2005 National Training Camp is expanding to include both U13 (‘92s) and U14 (‘91s) boys.  Future expansion plans include offering girls’ age groups.

2005 id2 National Training Camp

The 2005 id2 National Training Camp was held in Jacksonville, Fla. July 24-28, 2005 and conducted by Tim Carter, who returned for his second year as head staff coach. Over 100 boys in U13 and U12 age groups (‘91s and ‘92s, respectively) participated in the camp which was attended by Brian Maisonneuve, U.S. Soccer’s U-17 Men’s Assistant Coach, and Juan Carlos Michia, a U.S. Soccer Men’s National Staff Coach. Six id2 attendees earned invitations to U.S. Soccer’s U-14 National Development Program camp.

Inaugural 2004 id2 National Training Camp

The inaugural 2004 id2 National Training Camp was held in Raleigh, NC July 25-29, 2004 and conducted by head staff coach Tim Carter, who formerly served as US Soccer’s Director of Youth Development. Over 100 U13 boys (‘91s) participated in the camp, which was attended by John Ellinger, at the time US Soccer’s Director of Youth Development, and his US Soccer Youth Development staff. Six id2 participants earned invitations to US Soccer’s U14 National Development Program camp. Another 20 players were added to US Soccer’s U14 player pool. The remaining id2 players continue to scouted and evaluated by US Club Soccer staff.

id2 National Training Camp Program

Each morning id2 National Training Camp participants receive positional training, followed by a daily all-star match.  Participants in the all-star match are chosen on the basis of their play during two showcase matches held each evening.  A concluding all-star match is held on the final evening of the camp.

In the afternoons, players receive instruction from the nation’s best coaches during classroom sessions.  Among the featured speakers at the 2004 id2 National Training Camp were Ellinger, Desmond Armstrong, a member of the 1990 U.S. World Cup squad, Mike Jeffries, the former head coach of Major League Soccer’s Dallas Burn, and John Rennie, one of the all-time winningest coaches in men’s collegiate soccer history at Duke University.

id2 National Training Camp Testimonials

“Chipper really enjoyed meeting and playing with highly skilled boys from all over the country,” said his mother, Mary Kay Root, whose son participated in the inaugural id2 National Training Camp and plays for CASL (NC).  “He hopes to play with them again as he continues with his soccer endeavors. Playing in the All Star Game was also a highlight! As a parent I was most impressed with the organization and professionalism of the camp.”

“Ryan had a very positive experience at the inaugural id2 camp,” said his mother, Julie Barrett, whose son plays for Vardar (MI). “He was impressed with the talented players from across the country and was thrilled to be playing along side of them. He made some new friends that he hopes to see again. This was a wonderful opportunity to be involved with and a reward for all of the hard work and time he has put in.”

More Information

Further details pertaining to the 2005 id2 National Training Camp, including schedules, housing information and a staff listing will be posted as they become available.  To learn more about how players are selected to participate in the id2 National Training Camp, visit the id2 Player Identification page. Questions can be emailed to id2-usclubsoccer@cccmg.com.