Welcome to Talent Identification (TID)
TID - THE HOME OF YOUTH SCOUTING FOR U.S. SOCCER.
Talent Identification is responsible for developing scouts worldwide to find the best soccer talent the U.S. has to offer. We are committed to expanding and improving our scouting network through accessible and holistic education, age appropriate identification, and club outreach. Developing the scouting network enables us to grow the Youth National Team player pool and find youth players with the most talent and potential to build the bright future of U.S. Soccer.
- What is Talent?
Talent is systematically developed skills that enable you to do a task in the top 10%. While genetics and a natural aptitude to excel influence talent, it is NOT innate, and can be developed in the right environment.
- What is Potential?
Potential is the qualities or abilities that may be developed to lead to future success or application. It is a measure of achievement beyond the current game performance level. Scouting youth players is to predict their future success.
Philosophy and Mission
Our Mission
To identify players with the potential to play for our Youth National Teams
Our Philosophy
We believe:
- Talent can be developed
- Clubs must drive talent identification in their communities through networking
- Identification and examination must happen within the context of the game
- Players develop at different rates and their performance trajectory is non-linear
- Talent identification is a process with long-term objectives where performance and potential are influenced by environment, age and maturation
- Scouts must use a common structure for examining players and speak the same Club/U.S. Soccer language
- In making connections with all communities
- In a gender-neutral approach where we can, and a gender-specific approach where needed
Personnel
Talent Identification Staff
Our administrative staff based at USSF headquarters in Chicago, along with our team of regional Talent Identification Managers, support a network of 200+ scouts across the world. You can reach us using the contact information below.
Tony Lepore
Director of Talent Identification – Boys
Mirelle Van Rijbroek
Director of Talent Identification – Girls
Jake Barnes
Talent Identification Coordinator
Hailey Parungao
Talent Identification Associate
Ryan Carter
Talent Identification Associate
Garrett Biller
Talent Identification Manager (Central) – Boys
Katie Cole
Talent Identification Manager (Central) – Girls
Cris da Silva
Talent Identification Manager (East) – Boys
Diane Drake
Talent Identification Manager (East) – Girls
Henry Brauner
Talent Identification Manager (West) – Boys
Marieke Laurens
Talent Identification Manager (West) – Girls
