Sunday, December 17, 2006

TAMPA – United Soccer Leagues inaugural Men’s Player Showcase presented by UMBRO kicked-off in Tampa Sunday as the top unsigned talent in North America got acquainted with their teammates and the pitch at Ed Radice park in Northwest Tampa.

Weather conditions predicted precipitation but to all the participants’ delight, clear skies and temperatures in the mid 70’s created a perfect atmosphere for soccer. Coaches from all over the world watched as the 192 participants battled for attention in a warm-up to tomorrow morning’s training sessions and afternoon match. Tonight’s purpose: to introduce the prospects to the speed of play came in the form of three separate, 20-minute 7-v-7 scrimmages.

As a coach who was once in the shoes of a player attending a combine, the Harrisburg City Islander’s (USL Second Division) Head Coach Bill Becher provided insight.

“Back when I came out of college there was a combine event for the indoor game, but nothing like this,” said Becher. “These players have been given a rare opportunity in North America. There are coaches from every level here – USL First and Second Division, Major League Soccer, and high-level teams from abroad.”

“Scouting a major event like there is a bit tougher for a second division team,” added Becher. “I am looking at a few guys local to Pennsylvania. We also look at players that we think are talented enough to play at the MLS or First Division level and just keep tabs on them afterwards. If they do not get picked up by a higher level team then we look at getting them in Harrisburg.”

Monday marks the first full day of scouting for the 50+ coaches and scouts in attendance. The morning session will focus on station-based training sessions before breaking for lunch. Players return in the afternoon for the only 90-minute match of the four-day event