Talent ID Events will be in various cities across the United States and players can earn invitations by showcasing their skills through aiScout’s innovative technology
NEW YORK (Wednesday, August 14, 2024) – MLS NEXT announced invitational Talent ID Events presented by Allstate that will take place in five different cities across the United States this fall. These events are an opportunity for top players outside of MLS NEXT to showcase their talents for coaches and scouts in the area – all in an MLS NEXT environment and atmosphere.
“All players should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams in soccer regardless of location or socioeconomic background, and these Talent ID events are integral in accomplishing this,” said MLS Vice President of Player Youth and Development Fred Lipka and MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles.
The events are created in partnership with Allstate, a U.S. soccer advocate who’s committed to growing the game by investing in programs that create equitable access. MLS NEXT is dedicated to creating more opportunities for talented players in the United States and Canada to join the program and enhance their careers.
In order to receive an invitation to the Talent ID Events, players must be born in the years 2011-2014 and utilize aiScout – a revolutionary talent analysis and development platform that analyzes, rates, scores, trials, develops and scouts amateur players from around the world who have access to a smartphone. As part of MLS’ partnership with ai.io, players will complete a series of drills in the aiScout app and those top performers will receive invitations to their nearest Talent ID Event, beginning in New York on September 13.
All Talent ID Events are free, will provide invited participants with a best-in-class MLS NEXT experience, and feature two different sessions per day. Dates and areas for each event include:
- Wednesday, August 21 – Denver, Colo.
- Friday, September 13 – New York, N.Y.
- Friday, October 4 – San Diego, Calif.
- Friday, October 25 – San Antonio, Texas
- Friday, November 15 – Orlando, Fla.
About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) protects people from life’s uncertainties with a wide array of protection for autos, homes, electronic devices and identity theft. Products are available through a broad distribution network including Allstate agents, independent agents, major retailers, online and at the workplace. Allstate is widely known for the slogan “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.” For more information, visit www.allstate.com.
About ai.io
Headquartered in London with offices in the US, ai.io is a ground-breaking, award-winning technology company, that provides technology solutions to generate & analyze amateur & professional sport data, providing sport organizations & players with real time analysis and reporting, while creating valuable insights & outcomes. Two of their initial products that are being made available to MLS, are aiScout & aiLab. aiScout is available for download at Google Play & Apple’s app store with MLS opportunities having started with MLS NEXT before expanding to all MLS properties in the fall.
About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2024-25 season included 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and DoorDash. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
