RICHMOND, Va. (July 2, 2025) – The ECNL is thrilled to announce the launch of the ECNL Spotlight Games in the 2025-26 season, with top U14 players selected to participate in these matches at 11 different ECNL national events across the country. The U14 ECNL Spotlight Games are part of a collaboration between ECNL and the US Club Soccer id2 Program to provide scouting-based identification opportunities for top ECNL and ECNL Regional League male and female players for youth national teams and beyond.
“The ECNL U14 Spotlight Program will allow many of the best U14 players in the ECNL and ECNL Regional League to showcase their talent in front of scouts from the id2 Program in an incredible competition environment,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “Every U14 player competing at these events will be scouted while playing for their club on Day 1, and the top players will be selected to play in the Spotlight Game under the lights on Day 2. The Spotlight Game will provide a ‘best vs. best’ environment to inspire these players and further highlight the top talent in the country for invitation into US Club Soccer’s id2 program.”
US Club Soccer’s id2 Program was created in 2004 to help identify players for US Soccer Youth National Teams and through its history has included players like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson, and more when they were Under-14s. The program has been a prominent feeder to the youngest US Soccer Youth National Teams, and will be expanding over the next several years to include additional age groups and to identify players later in their development.
Together, beginning with the U14 Spotlight Games, ECNL and US Club Soccer will work to provide more scouting exposure for players, over more years of their career, recognizing the non-linear nature of player development and the importance of identification and scouting for youth national teams at all youth ages.
ECNL U14 Spotlight matches will be played at the following events:
ECNL New Jersey: August 22-24, 2025
ECNL Atlanta: September 12-14, 2025
ECNL St. Louis: September 12-14, 2025
ECNL San Diego: October 11-13, 2025
ECNL North Carolina (Girls): October 11-13, 2025
ECNL North Carolina (Boys): October 17-19, 2025
ECNL Texas: February 14-16, 2026
ECNL Phoenix (Spring): March 27-29, 2026
ECNL Texas: April 24-26, 2026
ECNL North Carolina (Spring): May 8-10, 2026
ECNL South Carolina: May 8-10, 2026
In total, there will be ECNL U14 Spotlight games at seven ECNL Boys events and eight ECNL Girls events.
At each event, club directors of those attending will recommend their respective top-performing players to participate in each U14 Spotlight match. In addition to those recommendations provided by clubs, US Club Soccer and id2 will be on hand at each event, providing on-field scouting during the first day of each event to evaluate the talent present. Combining scouting results with club recommendations, US Club Soccer and id2 will then assemble the rosters for each U14 Spotlight game, creating an all-star game filled with the very best athletes in that age group.
Similar to Continental Tire National Selection Games, ECNL U14 Spotlight games will have a focus not only on superior on-field play but also a large-event experience for players and fans alike, with a live-stream broadcast and stadium setup.
More information regarding ECNL U14 Spotlight matches, including rosters and field locations, will be announced ahead of each event. To learn more about USC Club Soccer and id2’s participation and roles within these individual player development pathways, click here.
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About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.
The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.
The ECNL Commitment:
We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
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