adidas ESP. Helping players find brilliance.
Serving elite high-school boys and girls soccer players from across the U.S.
As the most recognizable development program today, the adidas Elite Soccer Program continues to create, inspire and enable the elite soccer youth of America. Through its sanctioning from U.S. Youth Soccer, adidas ESP is an official event within the Olympic Development Program. adidas invites players based on the recommendations of a national and highly-regarded scouting network. adidas ESP not only offers the elite player the opportunity to train and compete in front of professional and college scouts alike, but also provides opportunities for the players to learn about college programs, professional paths, and the highly-selective Generation adidas.
Since 1997, adidas ESP has served over 1,000 of the finest youth players from across the United States. At our elite camps, high-school players come together to:
- Improve skills
- Test their competitive ability
- Learn about managing off-field opportunities and challenges as they prepare for college, professional or other sports-related paths
- Play in front of college and professional team coaches and scouts.
adidas is soccer and understands the necessary tools for a player to perform at his or her best. That is why adidas ESP demands the absolute best: product, curriculum, coaches, staff, facilities and most importantly...the players.
Frequently Asked Questions about attending adidas ESP
How to attend adidas ESP 2008 and plan for adidas ESP 2009.
adidas ESP participation is by invitation only. Players are not solicited nor do they apply, but are selected based on recommendations from a national scouting network.
Players are notified on a rolling basis throughout the first half of each year if they've been selected for adidas ESP, and will receive a written invitation via postal mail or email. (Note: The forms provided on this site are not an application or invitation to attend adidas ESP. These forms should be used only after a player has received an invitation, and has decided to attend.)
How do I register for ESP?
If you've been invited to attend adidas ESP 2008 in July, congratulations! You may register online, or print out the proper registration forms from the list below and postal mail them to us.
Registering online
Your username and password are printed on your invitation. Please select the "Register Online" link, and enter your username and password. You'll be given specific access to online forms that you can fill out. These forms are required for you to attend adidas ESP 2008.
Registering by postal mail or by fax
Your username and password are printed on your invitation. To register by postal mail or by fax, download, print out, fill in and mail the appropriate forms from this page to us. These forms are required for you to attend adidas ESP 2008. Mail or fax completed forms to:
adidas ESP 2008
2522 N. Proctor St., PMB 25
Tacoma, WA 98406-5338
Fax: 253-212-1489
Questions?
If you have questions or would like more information about registering or about attending adidas ESP 2008, contact:
Greg Ion
Vision Sports Marketing
T: 253-576-8711
E: gsion@comcast.net
How big is the adidas commitment to soccer?
As the oldest and leading soccer brand in the world; adidas is soccer. Whether it is the FIFA World Cup™, the UEFA Champions League, the European Championships, Major League Soccer, U.S. Youth Soccer, the top National and Professional teams, or the top players in the world; adidas is there, creating, enabling and inspiring a soccer planet.
How does adidas support youth soccer?
As with our global affiliations and support of professional soccer, adidas is the leading contributor to the grassroots of soccer in the United States. The cornerstone of adidas' commitment to youth soccer centers around our partnership with U.S. Youth Soccer and its programs provide all of America's soccer playing youth with opportunities to play the beautiful game. We also sponsor the best youth competitions in the nation, including the Disney Showcase, adidas Final Four Showcases, the Blue Chip Showcases and the Dallas Cup.
adidas further develops individual player skills through Coerver Coaching as well as coaching education through sponsorship of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. We are also very active with youth clubs throughout the U.S.
How are players selected?
The selection process involves a network of over 60 experienced coaches nationwide who work year-round scouting league games, tournaments, state cups and regional and national championships. Once scouted, nominated and selected, players are then invited to participate. Adidas ESP focuses on high-school sophomores and juniors. For example, most of the players invited to adidas ESP will graduate in 2010, but exceptional younger players are also selected.
Why did adidas create ESP?
adidas is committed to helping young players discover individual greatness. In 1997, when adidas started the Elite Soccer Program, there no other program available brought together the best youth players to learn, train and compete against each other.
What makes ESP different?
Adidas ESP provides a unique opportunity for top boys and girls to further develop their skills and also be recognized for their achievements. adidas provides for the players first-class facilities, equipment and coaching within a high-level training and game environment. In addition to a one of a kind soccer experience, attendees to adidas ESP also participate in discussions with former players, current college coaches and counselors to better understand the college selection process.
What's the experience like?
The first evening, players are divided into teams comprised of two goalkeepers, 14-16 field players and a staff coach. Over the next days the players familiarize themselves with their teammates while demonstrating their individual skills in a practice environment. After two days of training, competitive games begin. Teams play one game per day in a round robin format to determine the two teams that will compete for the Championship on the final day of camp. In addition, throughout the week the adidas ESP staff coaches choose two All-Star teams that play in the All-Star showcase.
How many college coaches attend?
Over 190 of the top college coaches and professional scouts in the U.S for both boys and girls. adidas is very appreciative of the coaches who come to watch players. adidas provides attending coaches with: a Player Profile Book, which includes biographical and contact information on each player, special seminars on relevant coaching topics and on-site hospitality during all training sessions and games.
