Canada Soccer is set to introduce a new level of competition for U-17 players with the launch of the PDP U-17 Cup. This inaugural event will take place in Edmonton, Alberta, from August 14 to 18, 2024, and will feature 28 youth teams for boys and girls.
The PDP U-17 Cup is a groundbreaking initiative by Canada Soccer that aims to provide a transformative platform for young players to showcase their skills and talents. This elite competition will bring together the top U-17 teams from across the country, offering them a unique opportunity to compete against some of the best players in their age group.
PDP U-17 Cup: A New Level of Competition in Canada Soccer
The inaugural edition of the PDP U-17 Cup will be held in Edmonton, Alberta, from August 14 to 18, 2024. The event will feature 28 youth teams, divided into two age groups: U-16 and U-17. The boys' teams will compete at the Clareview Recreation Centre and the Victoria School Park fields, while the girls' teams will play at the Argyll Athletic Grounds and O'Leary Athletic Fields.
To qualify for the PDP U-17 Cup, teams must participate in a series of regional qualifying tournaments. These tournaments will be open to all Canada Soccer Member Clubs and will be held in various locations across the country. The top-performing teams from each region will earn a spot in the PDP U-17 Cup.
The PDP U-17 Cup will follow a round-robin format, with each team playing a minimum of three games. The top teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, where they will compete for the championship title. All games will be played on full-size fields, providing the players with a true taste of professional soccer.
The PDP U-17 Cup is an integral part of Canada Soccer's Player Development Program (PDP). The PDP is a comprehensive program that provides players with access to high-level coaching, training, and competition opportunities. The PDP U-17 Cup will serve as a showcase for the talented players who are part of the program.
The PDP U-17 Cup will provide an elite competition environment for young players to develop their skills and reach their full potential. The event will attract top scouts and coaches from across Canada and beyond, offering players the chance to showcase their abilities and potentially earn invitations to higher levels of soccer.
The PDP U-17 Cup will also serve as a key identification event for the Canada Soccer National Teams. Scouts from the U-17 and U-20 National Teams will be in attendance, observing the players and evaluating their potential for future national team assignments.
The PDP U-17 Cup is set to become a legacy event in Canadian soccer. The competition will provide a unique and transformative platform for young players to develop their skills, showcase their talents, and aspire to represent their country at the highest level.
