[truthandlife]

International trip highlights US Club Soccer's 2009-10 boys' id2 program

http://www.usclubsoccer.org/main.asp...3-41926e23ae20

For the first time in the history of US Club Soccer’s id2 player identification and development program, a team of the best 18 boys’ players from this fall’s 2009 id2 Regional Training Camps will have the opportunity to take a post-event international trip.

The trip, scheduled for Feb 5-14, 2010, will take the group to the Netherlands and Germany, where the squad will have the opportunity to experience the day-to-day culture of some of the world’s most well-known professional clubs while also improving themselves on the field via high-level training and game competition.

The 10-day trip affords players the opportunity to immerse themselves in a professional soccer environment while garnering the benefits from a broad educational and cultural experience.

The id2 squad will play three games against the youth teams of some of Europe’s top professional clubs as well as tour the facilities, visit training and attend games of professional teams. The trip also provides players with further evaluation by U.S. Soccer’s National Team staff as well as the opportunity to show their abilities to the international soccer community in a professional environment.

"This is a great opportunity for our young players to experience international competition in an environment rich with culture and a population that is completely immersed in the beautiful game,” said id2 Boys’ Director and U.S. U-15 Boys’ National Team assistant coach Gerry McKeown.

Consistent with US Club Soccer’s philosophy that identification and development should be free to players, the organization will be funding the trip overseas in conjunction with the strong support of Nike; there will be no cost to players.

“Nike Soccer is proud to support US Club Soccer and the id2 program as it provides valuable opportunities for players to develop their soccer skills in a unique environment,” said Joe Elsmore, Nike’s Director of U.S. Soccer Sports Marketing.

An additional announcement related to the expansion of US Club Soccer’s girls’ id2 program will be forthcoming in the near future.