The Player Development Program (PDP) is an exclusive, invitation-only initiative designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of both players and coaches. Handpicked through meticulous scouting, players are directly contacted by our dedicated PDP staff to join this elite program. The primary focus of the PDP is to provide a highly specialized environment where top talents can refine their abilities, receive advanced training, and gain insights that go beyond the standard league experience. ​
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Through the PDP, SOCAL Soccer League is committed to providing top players with pathways to elite opportunities and preparing them for the highest levels of competition.
Who is allowed to participate in the PDP?
Only SOCAL Soccer League players are allowed to participate in the PDP Program. Players competing in other leagues (ECNL, ECRL, EA, GA, DPL, E64, etc.) will be removed from the program. If you have changed teams and are no longer playing in the SOCAL Soccer League, please inform us so we can discontinue communication. If you return to our league, let us know, and we will reinstate you.
How do we select players for PDP?
There are no tryouts for PDP. Players are scouted in their own environments. We have over 300 scouts across Southern California recommending players to our program. Our staff follows the SOCAL PDP Scouting Framework when selecting players to be part of PDP. Players who continue to show improvement in their soccer skills and within our SCOUTING FRAMEWORK will be invited back into our regional talent centers as opportunities arise. Players are not guaranteed an invitation and must demonstrate improvement each month.
What are some of SOCAL PDP's Objectives?
Our goal is to create competitive environments and reward top SOCAL players who have dedicated themselves to improving in the game they love. Our process places players in unfamiliar environments and offers incentives for making Regional, State, and National selections. Ultimately, this program develops players and coaches and supports growth in our region.
How often will players be invited into our PDP Talent Centers?
We typically do not have players attend more than one session per month.
I've previously attended TCs and been selected for regional and/or state selections in the past. Do I need to attend again to be selected?
We continue to scout and bring many more deserving players into our player pools. Young players grow and develop at different times, and we are continually monitoring their current level of play. Anytime you are invited, you should do your best to attend to improve your chances of future participation. Every session is beneficial to a player's growth and development in the game they love. If you cannot attend, that is fine, but you should communicate your reasoning so our staff can take note.
What are some of the benefits of participating in SOCAL's Player Development Program?
TO DEVELOP PLAYERS:
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Top players are placed in a highly competitive environment to challenge and prepare themselves for higher levels.
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Top players are viewed as leaders of their team and return as role models and examples to their teammates.
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Top players are responsible for continuing their development and improving their game to stay in the program.
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Teammates recognize the possibility of being selected for the program and train harder to earn an opportunity.
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Top players may be scouted and selected to participate in Youth National Team, Professional, and College Showcase environments.
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Top players may have opportunities to travel as a regional or state team to national and international competitions.
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Top players have the chance to meet, connect, and learn from their peers from other clubs.
TO DEVELOP COACHES:
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Coaches receive opportunities to work, learn, and experience different environments outside their current setting.
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Coaches collaborate, learn from one another, and work together to improve our soccer community.