NPSL Player Showcase Rosters Announced
The regional rosters for the 2017 NPSL Player Showcase have been announced with the three-day event set to take place this weekend. The top players from across the league will have a chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts from the MLS, NASL and USL.
Related Article: NPSL Player Showcase Gives Players a Chance
NPSL Soccer News: The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announce the rosters for its third annual Player Showcase set to take place January 7-9, 2017, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
“The goal of this event is to give our young players the opportunity to be recognized and get to the next level, and realize their dreams,” Showcase Committee Chairman Kenny Farrell said.
“We did not want to inhibit players who may have financial constraints. This is an important commitment from the league to its teams and players, and provides an opportunity for professional coaches, scouts, and agents to experience the talent in the NPSL,” said Farrell. “We think everyone will be impressed with what they see.”
How are players selected to play in the NPSL Player Showcase?
NPSL clubs nominate their top players for consideration to represent their region for this Showcase. Nominations were then reviewed by the NPSL committee, which determined the final invite list.
Many NPSL supporters may be wondering why their favorite players are not included on the list of combine attendees. In response to feedback from scouts and coaches, the NPSL explains that the league has organized the event by focusing on up-and-coming players that have shown potential to succeed at the next level.
“In the NPSL there are players who may have high profiles and dominate in game-day performances who are usually the older players with more experience,” said Kenneth Farrell, NPSL Showcase Committee Chairman. “However, that is not what the pro coaches are looking for. So we adjusted our player criteria to fit their needs. They want to see younger players, diamonds in the rough if you will, and players that are all eligible to play in the U.S. at the professional level.”
The players are placed on four teams that will represent the NPSL’s four regions: Northeast, South, Midwest, and West.
Training sessions will be held on Saturday, January 7th, with matches taking place on both Sunday and Monday.
“Our players understand that we do as much as we possibly can to provide a vehicle for them to show their talents to the top coaches, but it is ultimately up to them to prepare and perform,” said Farrell. “Of course, this is evaluated by the NPSL coaches throughout our season and the showcase is their reward.
Showcase coaches and guest speakers will be announced at a later date.
View the Player Showcase roster here.