CFSC - Talent Identification Pathway

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives
it is the one that is the most adaptable to the change, that lives within the means
available and works cooperatively against common threats.

2020 Cleveland Force Soccer

 CFSC Talent ID Platforms

CFSC has access to all three Talent Identification Pathways. Each level presents opportunities
and benefits. The key benefit is getting out of your comfort zone. The exposure to other coaches
and voices as they prepare for high school and college sports is part of our wholistic approach to
player development.

● ODP Pathway
● US Club ID2
● YNT IDENTIFICATION CENTERS
ODP Pathway
2020 Cleveland Force Soccer Club
US Club Pathway
 ID 2: THE PROCESS

Targeted birth years are established every year in consultation with U.S. Soccer in order to align with the scouting
priorities for the 14-U National Teams. The steps below outline the process once targeted birth years are established.

Recommendation and Identification: A national scouting and recommendation process for targeted birth years is
used to form the id2 Program player pool. US Club Soccer solicits player recommendations from coaches throughout
the country, which supplement the organization’s own scouting process that utilizes a network of key scouts at
various league games and events.

Evaluation and Invitation: After an evaluation process, top players from the pool are invited to participate in an id2
Training Camp.

Participation in id2 Training Camp: Invited players participate in an id2 Training Camp, where they work with some
of the nation’s best coaches, play with and against some of the nation’s best players in their age group, and are
scouted by on-site U.S. Soccer staff. In addition to on-field sessions, the camps feature guest speakers,
lectures/classroom sessions and other offerings, which make for a multi-faceted learning experience.

National Selection Programming: Top performers at id2 Training Camps throughout the cycle are selected for
participation in the id2 National Selection International Tour for boys or the id2/ECNL National Training Camp for
girls. U.S. Soccer staff also selects specific players to attend U.S. Soccer National Team programs.
YNT IDENTIFICATION CENTERS
 YNT IDENTIFICATION CENTERS
YNT Identification Centers are one of the main tactics of Talent Identification. YNT ID Centers are no-cost
identification opportunities for U.S. Soccer Talent Identification Managers to evaluate and monitor top talents.
U.S. Soccer, in conjunction with local clubs, hosts approximately 100 sessions each year in 25 key markets
throughout the country. These invite-only training sessions provide opportunities for scout development,
education, and mentoring, and help strengthen connection and collaboration between U.S. Soccer, clubs, and their
constituents in local markets.

Talent Identification Managers assess the top players from different clubs and markets in different combinations,
cross-referencing top talents across the nation. Each YNT ID Center is conducted with a particular focus to ensure
our staff sees the widest variety of talent in different contexts.

Over 5,000 boys and girls aged 13-16 attended U.S. Soccer YNT Identification Centers in 2017-18.

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