Player Showcase Starts Sunday
December 13, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1) News Release
TAMPA - This Sunday, December 17 United Soccer Leagues opens a new era in North American club development. The inaugural Men's Player Showcase presented by UMBRO has been repeatedly upgraded to accommodate what has grown into an influential event. World-renowned clubs will meet the best amateur players North America has to offer on the event's upgraded facilities at Ed Radice Soccer Complex in Northwest Tampa.
"We are thrilled to be hosting many of North America's elite prospects in front of top domestic and international clubs," said USL Vice President Tim Holt. "Our partners at UMBRO deserve a great deal of credit for their support in ensuring the players and coaches will be treated to a first-class showcase."
Schedule
Sunday, December 17
7 v.7 Short Sided Games running from 6:00-8:45(PM).
Players will get a feel for their surroundings and teammates in a warm-up to Monday's training sessions.
Monday, December 18
Morning training sessions will run in 25 minute stations from 8:30(AM)-1:25(PM) before breaking for lunch. Players return between 3:00-7:00(PM) for their first live action. A 90 minute 11 v.11 match.
Tuesday, December 19
The 12 teams compete in two, 70 minute matches. The first between 8:45(AM)-12:00(PM). The second between 3:00-7:00(PM).
Wednesday, December 20
A third and final 70 minute match will take place at either 8:45(AM) or 10:30(AM), depending on player's flight departure time.
Clubs Attending & Combine Coaching Staff
Along with initial interest from Chelsea, the 2006 Men's Player Showcase presented by UMBRO welcomes three additional English Premier League clubs - Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool.
U.S. and Canadian based clubs (23 in all) have reserved scouting positions at the event as well as international clubs, AFK (First Division, Norway) and Santos (First Division, Mexico).
Player List
The Premier Development League being the widest avenue for players coming into this event, the majority of athletes hold experience at that level. On board are PDL 2006 MVP Freddie Moojen and PDL All-league midfielder Brock Trejo. The second largest group of Tampa-bound players comes from the NCAA Seniors, led by two-time Division II All-American goalkeeper Tyler Baldock.
Facilities
Ed Radice Soccer Complex played host to the Super Y-League North American Finals just under a month ago. The facility houses nine pristine, full-dimension fields, one of which accommodated a Fox Soccer Channel feature match between the New York Red Bulls and Kendall SC aired on Saturday, December 2nd. The pitches used in the showcase were twice upgraded and handpicked by the USL staff.
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