US Club Soccer id2 Program to launch Girls International Tour in 2020
CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 17, 2019) – US Club Soccer has announced an enhancement of the id2 Program for top girls players. Beginning next year, the girls program will begin sending its id2 National Selection standouts on an annual international tour.
Since 2013, the id2 National Selection girls teams have trained domestically at Nike World Headquarters and the University of Portland alongside ECNL standouts. The establishment of the international tour on the girls side builds on an unmistakable, recent growth in competition and interest internationally in women’s and girls soccer.
The female side of the 2020 id2 National Selection International Tour will feature top 2005/06-born girls players from around the country. The dates and location will be announced at a later date. The boys id2 Program will continue to travel to an international destination, as well.
The id2 National Selection International Tour has been a staple of the id2 boys program since 2010, as a collection of top boys teams have traveled to Argentina, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland and Spain. Alumni from those trips are headlined by: Christian Pulisic (2012), Jonathan Gonzalez (2013), Tyler Adams (2013), Corey Baird (2010) and Tim Weah (2013). id2 Boys Program Director Gerry McKeown released this list of his Best XI earlier this year. id2 Girls Program Director Tricia Taliaferro will soon release her Best XI of the top female id2 National Selection players since 2013.
“This international trip concept is an example of US Club Soccer recognizing the growth of the game and importance of gaining this type of experience,” said Taliaferro. “This will have an enormous impact on our country’s next generation of stars, and we’re grateful to play a leading role in the development of club players in the U.S.”
While overseas, the id2 National Selection teams train in top facilities, receive cultural immersions and play the host country’s best academy teams. Opponents of previous id2 National Selection boys teams include: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Juventus, Inter Milan, Everton, Celtic, Atletico Madrid and Ajax.
Consistent with US Club Soccer’s philosophy that identification and development should be free to players, the organization will completely fund the trip in conjunction with the strong support of Nike; there is no cost to players, including airfare, lodging, meals and gear. The id2 Program is an Olympic Development Program approved by the United States Olympic Committee and U.S. Soccer Federation.
Stay tuned for a reveal of the 2019 id2 National Selection girls team roster, which will compete in the 2019 ECNL/id2 National Training Camp in Portland, Oregon later this month. These selected players are of the 2004-05 age group.
ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER:
A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible environment for players of all ages.
Anchored by Players First and its five pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.
US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike and supported by LaLiga through a technical partnership.
