Atlanta, GA, April 24, 2025 – U.S. Soccer is continuing its mission to enhance the Men’s Youth National Team player pool by organizing its third regional mini-camp of 2025. This event is part of the Under-14 Boys’ Talent Identification Program and will take place at the Houston Sports Park in Houston, Texas, from April 24 to 28, 2025.
The camp will bring together 80 promising players, all born in 2011, from the Central Region, representing 11 states and one player hailing from Brazil. States represented include Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. The players will be split into four sub-regional teams of 20 players each: Atlantic, Central, Frontier, and Texas.
Garrett Biller, the Talent ID Director for the Men’s Youth National Teams, will oversee the event, supported by Talent ID Managers Arturo Alvarez and Luis Seijas. This mini-camp marks the conclusion of three regional Under-14 Talent ID mini-camps conducted throughout the spring. Previously, the West region gathered in Southern California at the end of February, followed by the East Region in March.
The focus of this initiative is to identify and nurture young soccer talents in the U.S. This dedicated effort by U.S. Soccer demonstrates how crucial the development of youth players is for the future of soccer in the nation.
Participants will train in various modules that include technical skills, teamwork, and game situational play, allowing coaches to evaluate their abilities in real-time. Being selected for such an event is a significant honor, as it places these young athletes in the spotlight and provides them the chance to showcase their potential on a national level.
During the camp, players will be assigned to their respective positions. The roster includes 8 goalkeepers, 26 defenders, 22 midfielders, and 24 forwards, revealing a diverse array of talent. Here’s a closer look at the roster for the U.S. Under-14 Boys’ Central Region TID Mini-Camp.
Goalkeepers include Alex Bayraktarov from Chicago Fire FC, Pablo Gonzalez from Houston Dynamo FC, and Parker Henry from Colorado Rapids Youth SC, among others. Each goalkeeper is recognized for their individual skills and readiness to compete at higher levels.
The defensive roster is led by players like Pierce Bikoko from FC Cincinnati and Dempsey Biller from Chicago Fire FC. These athletes will engage in intense training sessions designed to sharpen their defensive abilities and strategic understanding of the game.
In midfield, the roster features talents such as Immanuel Adewunmi of the Michigan Wolves and Aiden Appiah from Colorado Rapids Youth SC. These midfielders will be pivotal in orchestrating play, developing tactics, and showing their creativity on the field.
Forwards like Rijkaard Atali from the Houston Dynamo FC and Devon Coates from St. Louis City SC are expected to bring energy and scoring prowess to their teams. The forward position will be crucial in finishing scoring opportunities and breaking down opposing defenses.
As the mini-camp unfolds, the players will receive not only training but also valuable feedback from seasoned coaches who are dedicated to helping them grow. This experience is immensely beneficial for the young athletes as they aspire to elevate their game and perhaps one day don the national team jersey.
U.S. Soccer’s continuous investment in youth development aligns with a larger vision to cultivate homegrown talent capable of achieving success on international stages. The commitment towards early identification and training reflects a proactive approach to building a robust pipeline for future soccer talent.
As the mini-camp progresses, families and supporters will be eager to see which players stand out and potentially earn spots in future national team programs. The outcome of this gathering can have a lasting impact on the players’ career trajectories and the future of soccer in the United States.
In conclusion, as U.S. Soccer holds its U-14 Boys’ Central Region TID mini-camp in Houston, it emphasizes the importance of nurturing youth talent. This camp is not merely an event; it’s a stepping stone for the next generation of soccer stars aiming to make their mark on the game. The hopes of not just the players but the broader soccer community rest on these young individuals as they embark on their journey in a sport they love.
image source from：https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/04/eighty-players-set-u-14-boys-central-region-talent-identification-camp-houston
