ECNL Player Identification:  The ECNL Player Identification Program is intended to provide a better, more efficient, and streamlined process for identifying players with the potential to play with the US Soccer Youth National Teams, and to provide additional exposure and opportunity to top players across the ECNL. The ECNL Player ID Program identifies the top players in the ECNL and then provides opportunities for these players to be seen and trained by U.S. Soccer National Team staff.  The ECNL Player ID Program was created under 4 key principles:

• Players should be scouted and evaluated in their regular environment.
• There should be no additional cost to players for scouting and identification.
• To insure accurate evaluations, multiple people should evaluate players over multiple events.
• To insure accurate evaluations, the coaches that train and develop the identified players should be consulted as the best source of information regarding overall ability, mentality, and current form.

By scouting players in their regular team environment, while they are competing against the best players in the country, the ECNL Player ID Program increases opportunities for identified players at no additional cost to the players. The program also does not add congestion to the player calendar by requiring multiple levels of “try-outs” and other competitions to identify players. 

ECNL scouts are assigned to observe and analyze ECNL games at each ECNL National Showcase Event. A standardized evaluation program has been established by the ECNL for these scouts whereby identified players will be evaluated on a variety of technical, tactical, physical, and psychological characteristics based upon their performances.  ECNL scouts include coaches from member clubs of the ECNL, independent coaches, coaches with experience with US Soccer Youth National Teams, and coaches from top Division I, II, and III colleges

Every ECNL Club assigned to one either based upon their conference or their geographic location. ECNL PDPs will bring together the top 60 players within the conference or geographic region for a weekend of training, competition, and education. Each ECNL PDP will include approximately 60 players.

The ECNL PDP will occur over two days and will include three training sessions/matches and a presentation for the players. All players will also receive Nike training gear.  The ECNL will be covering the costs of participation in the ECNL PDP, excluding travel costs for participating players. 

Based upon their performance in ECNL competitions and in the ECNL PDPs over the course of the year, players may be invited to participate in the annual ECNL / id2 Nike National Training Camp.