Beaverton, Ore. — August 9-12 U.S. soccer held a U18 Men’s National Camp at Nike Headquarters, featuring 64 identified players. These players will eventually be whittled down to create the U18 Men’s National Team that will later compete in the U20 World Cup.
As an extension of the U.S. training program, this is the first year that is particular event has been held, as well as seven other local combines in major cities (Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Dallas). Through this process, U.S. Soccer has created free identification opportunities for elite players around the country.
The goal is to find and pick the best players possible for the national team and this year has revealed a new strategy. Striving to find the best players, it doesn’t matter where they come from or what they can pay for. If they can play, then they can play, simple as that.
Top Drawer caught up with the U.S. Director of Scouting, and U15 BNT Head Coach, Tony Lepore, to learn more about the scouting process at the recent Nike Combine.
