First-ever US Club Soccer NPL Select Games to be held this November in Chicago

CHARLESTON, S.C. – US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) announced the first-ever “NPL Select Games,” taking place Nov. 19-20 in Chicago.

Three NPL member leagues – Great Lakes Alliance, Minnesota NPL and Northern Illinois Soccer League – and the Iowa-based Club Development League are collaborating to welcome top boys and girls players of ’09 and ’10 age groups from their respective leagues to Olympic Park in Schaumburg, IL.

Each league will form four select teams (two boys and two girls), and each team will play three friendly games against other league teams in front of id2 scouts. Top performers will be extended invitations to upcoming id2 Selection event programming in the region.

“Providing programming that supports our membership and promotes player development is at the core of everything we do at Great Lakes Alliance,” said Ed Bernstein, President of the Great Lakes Alliance. “To have the opportunity to collaborate on this exceptional player development platform that will also provide id2 exposure, aligns directly with our portfolio of player-focused initiatives.”

Leaders from each of the participating leagues stated that the event demonstrates a pair of the NPL’s core values: collaboration and providing opportunities for player exposure.

“We are really looking forward to offering this unique player development opportunity to our member clubs,” said Matt Tiano, CEO of Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (MN). “We see the Midwest Select Games as being about player development and exposure to id2 scouting, and also an opportunity to measure ourselves against other respected leagues. Collaboration is crucial, and we are pleased to work with our league partners in GLA, CDL and NISL to execute this event.”

Brendan Eitz, NISL Technical Director, echoed Tiano’s sentiment.

“The NISL is excited to be able to offer our membership this unique opportunity to play in the Midwest Select Games,” said Eitz. “The ability to bring identified talented players together to compete with other National Premier Leagues will enhance our players’ overall experience. We look forward to hosting the NPL Midwest Select Games and our partners Great Lakes Alliance, Minnesota NPL and the Iowa-based Club Development League.”

Ian Bradley, Club Development League administrator, added: “The Club Development League (Iowa) is delighted to be partnering with other Midwest US Club Soccer affiliates (GLA, TCSL and NISL) in offering this developmental and identification event to our players. It is a great opportunity to provide top quality inter-league competition and exposure to id2 scouting.”