Its Goal
The goal of the USASA National Select Teams Program is to identify a pool of players from which a US National Amateur
Team will be selected for international games. Additionally, players are selected for consideration to the Men's and Women's
US National (World Cup), Olympic or other US National Teams. The Select Teams Program is organized to provide
high-level-training and competition to benefit and enhance the players over the age of 19, and also, to provide
opportunities for players to showcase their talents in a competitive atmosphere in front of Regional, Divisional,
National Staff Coaches and coaches from the professional teams.
Its Purpose
The purpose of the USASA National Select Teams Program is to serve as an avenue to develop players for the
professional leagues throughout the United States, and to identify players of the highest caliber for the various
US National Teams. It is believed that continued player development will lead to increased success for the
professional leagues, the National Teams Program, and the performance of US players in the international arena.
Its Structure
The structure of the USASA National Select Teams Program begins at the State Association level, where
Men's and Women's teams are selected from all amateur players who wish to try-out for their respective
State Select Team. The State Association then sends its Select Team to one of the four USASA Regional
Select Teams Tournaments, which are usually held during late May through the middle of June. There are
four USASA Regions within the United States and each Region holds its own tournament. During the Regional
Select Teams Tournament, players are reviewed and observed by Regional, Divisional and National Coaches in
an atmosphere where condition are equitable for everyone. A Regional Select Team is selected from the
participating players by the Regional Coach. The Regional Select Team is then invited to compete at the US Soccer Festival.
US Soccer Festival
US Soccer Festival is usually scheduled for the first week in August and features 6 to 8 teams in each competition
(Men & Women). In addition to the four USASA Regional Select Teams, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF)
sends several of their US National Youth Teams depending on that years particular need of preparation for an international
competition. Other team which may participate from year to year are the Armed Forces Teams in the Men's competition, the
US Women's National Team (World Cup) in the Women's competition and foreign national teams. In addition to the
Regional, Divisional and National Coaches who will be attendance, coaches from teams within the various professional
leagues are invited to scout for potential players.
George F. Donnelly Cup
As part of each Regional Select Teams Tournament, Men's and Women's State Select Teams compete for a
Regional Select Teams Championship. Each regional winner is then invited to participate in the "George F.
Donnelly Cup" competition. This event establishes the National Championship for State Select Teams and
it is usually held during the Thanksgiving Day weekend. The last few years, it was held in Florida.
