Intended for promising prospects, players aged 12-13 can be selected to the Timbers Academy Discovery Program (DP), with the primary goal of identifying players for the MLS Timbers Academy teams. The DP has been the single most successful route into the Academy teams during the past three years, providing over 95% of Academy players since its implementation.

The PTFC Discovery Program offers MLS Academy level training across two age groups. The program is for boys U13–U14. Portland Timbers Discovery Program Manager will scout youth events held within the state such as Pre-Discovery, ODP, as well as attend local club games and collaborate with local club Directors and coaches to invite players into the program. Once a player is scouted or recommended, the local club will receive a letter of invitation for the player. The local club will then send the invitation to the player and his family to participate in the program. All invitations are sent out, at least, 2 weeks prior to the first training session of the program.