Registration

Emerging players are discovering fundamental elements of the game including basic tactical understanding and the associated core skills, such as moving with the ball and moving the ball, fundamentals of defensive and attacking play, or, for goalkeepers, positioning, movement skills, footwork and glove work. These are the building blocks, and players of all physical abilities and potential must develop a strong core and knowledge of the game on which to build and progress. Emerging players in Nexus will be encouraged to focus on skill development and execution, "The USA Way" principles of play, decision-making and learning through game play and competition, to take them to the next level.

Aspiring players demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the key skills and concepts of the game and will work to gain a deeper understanding of tactics, such as applying "The USA Way" attack and defense principles, becoming comfortable playing multiple positions and, for goalkeepers, assuming a leadership role and the importance of communication for success. Aspiring players in Nexus will continue to gain confidence in their skills, tactics, and physical abilities, and will improve through game play and challenging competition.

Players in the Perform group demonstrate a level of mastery of the fundamental elements with a proficient understanding and application of foundational concepts of the game. Players in Perform will focus on consistently making good decisions and delivering a wide variety of skills while under pressure. Perform players demonstrate strong physical ability and stamina that allows them to compete throughout games, from start to finish. Field players and goalkeepers at this level will start to understand and adapt to "The USA Way", while demonstrating mindset skills such as leadership and resilience that support their development and performance. The Perform environment will challenge players in all aspects as they strive toward peak performance.

Elite players have an advanced tactical understanding when compared to others in their age group, supported by consistent performance of core skill execution under pressure. Players at this level demonstrate advanced physical competencies and decision making, understanding how to apply concepts and skills from "The USA Way" in competitive situations. Elite players will be challenged to become students of the game, set and reset goals, develop resilience, and understand and improve their personal impact on their team, including how they can best build upon and use their strengths to achieve peak performance and positively influence those around them.