The ECNL Player Identification Platform (ECNL Player ID) was launched in 2009 to provide a better, more efficient, and streamlined process for identifying players with the potential to play with the US Youth National Teams. The ECNL Player ID Platform provides opportunities to identify the top players in the ECNL and provides opportunities for these players to be seen and trained by U.S. Soccer National Team staff. The ECNL Player ID Platform was created with the following assumptions:

• • 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, players should be evaluated by multiple people over multiple events; and
  • 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 Platform increases opportunities for identified players at no additional cost to the players.