The Portland Timbers Discovery Seniors Program
About
The Discovery Seniors Program provides a professional pathway for elite players with the potential to become a Homegrown player for Portland Timbers. The Discovery Program sets the standards for player development, and player identification within the Pacific Northwest.
Who is it for?
Elite players in the U13 & U14 age groups. Discovery Seniors is an invite only program
How are players invited and identified?
The Discovery Program Manager will scout youth events held within the state such as Discovery Juniors, ODP, as well as attend local club games and collaborate with local Club Directors and Coaches on player recommendations to invite players into the program.
Goals
o Player Development: Maximize player potential
o Introduction to Timbers Academy principles of play: individual, unit & team-based
o Identify & prepare players for the Timbers MLS Academy teams
The Discovery Seniors program is intended for promising player prospects at the U13 & U14 age-groups. The identified and recommended players across both age-groups will come together to train at the Timbers Training Facility across 2 training blocks throughout the year. The primary goal is to identify players for the Timbers MLS Academy teams.
The Discovery Seniors Program 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 Discovery Seniors Program continues to be a fully funded program including all travel events.
o ID Events: April & August Discovery Fest (invite only)
o Training Block 1: Fall - 10 training sessions (mid week) at the Timbers Training Facility
o Training Block 2: Spring – 10 training sessions (mid week) at the Timbers Training Facility
o Training Kit: Free
o Timbers Academy coaches lead all training sessions
o U14 Patterson Cup, Kansas (yearly in June)
o U14 MLS Next Showcase Event (yearly in June)
More information regarding the Discovery program can be found here