MLS NEXT announced invitational Talent ID Events presented by Allstate that will take place in five different cities across the United States this fall. These events are an opportunity for top players outside of MLS NEXT to showcase their talents for coaches and scouts in the area – all in an MLS NEXT environment and atmosphere.
All Talent ID Events are free, will provide invited participants with a best-in-class MLS NEXT experience, and feature two different sessions per day. Dates and areas for each event include:
- Wednesday, August 21 – Denver, Colo.
- Friday, September 13 – New York, N.Y.
- Friday, October 4 – San Diego, Calif.
- Friday, October 25 – San Antonio, Texas
- Friday, November 15 – Orlando, Fla.
“All players should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams in soccer regardless of location or socioeconomic background, and these Talent ID events are integral in accomplishing this,” said MLS Vice President of Player Youth and Development Fred Lipka and MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles.
The events are created in partnership with Allstate, a U.S. soccer advocate committed to growing the game by investing in programs that create equitable access. MLS NEXT is dedicated to creating more opportunities for talented players in the United States and Canada to join the program and enhance their careers.
In order to receive an invitation to the Talent ID Events, players must be born in the years 2011-2014 and utilize aiScout – a revolutionary talent analysis and development platform that analyzes, rates, scores, trials, develops and scouts amateur players from around the world who have access to a smartphone. As part of MLS’ partnership with ai.io, players will complete a series of drills in the aiScout app and those top performers will receive invitations to their nearest Talent ID Event, beginning in New York on September 13.
