Generation adidas Cup to feature U-12 small-sided tournament

NEW YORK, NY (Via MLS) – Major League Soccer today announced that it will host an inaugural small-sided U-12 tournament in conjunction with the 2014-15 Generation adidas Cup in Frisco, Texas from April 2-4. Eight MLS academies will participate in the 7-v-7 competition, along with Mexican club Queretaro FC and Club America USA – the U.S.-based affiliate of the Mexican giant. The three-day tournament will be held at FC Dallas’ Toyota Soccer Center.

“MLS supports the small-sided game initiative and believes it to be a cornerstone of the development of future elite soccer players.  It is important for MLS clubs to identify the most talented and skillful players at a young age and, through small-sided games, begin to guide their technical and tactical understanding of the game,” said MLS Technical Director of Player Programs Alfonso Mondelo.

The tournament will consist of 12 teams spilt into two groups, with each squad playing two 30-minute games every day of the competition. The championship match will take place between the two teams that finish at the top of their respective groups. Eight MLS Academy teams will be represented with both FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo fielding two teams. The other MLS clubs involved are: Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, Sporting Kansas City and Toronto FC.

U-12 Tournament Groups

“The U-12 small-sided initiative further aligns our League’s vision of being one of the top leagues in the world by being a world leader in player and youth development. The small-sided initiative creates an earlier pathway for players to develop their technical ability and develop into world class players,” said MLS Vice President of Competition Jeff Agoos.

The 2014-15 Generation adidas Cup kicked off this past Sunday and will conclude with championship matches onSaturday, April 4. A full Generation adidas Cup schedule, including live stream information, can be found here.