High Plains Drifters' new partnership with FC Dallas to help players reach next level
The High Plains Drifters Soccer Club (HPD) has announced a new, groundbreaking affiliate partnership with FC Dallas that will be instrumental in helping local soccer players reach the next level.
According to the announcement, High Plains Drifters, the most tenured soccer club in the Texas Panhandle, will orchestrate opportunities for local youth players to advance to FC Dallas. The organization, widely known as one of the top youth development systems in Major League Soccer (MLS) and North American soccer, also is known for helping players advance nationwide.
As a part of the new partnership, local players will now have the chance for direct access to FC Dallas camps and training sessions, in addition to participating in the FC Dallas Showcase, a tournament specifically designed for youth athletes looking to play in front of college coaches and scouts.
"This relationship is going to help create a clear path of how the players can reach their goals, anywhere from a high school player to a national team player," HPD Executive Director Butch Lauffer said at the announcement event. "This relationship will help provide those avenues to get those kids the chances to make that happen, and being able to tie that to a national brand is even bigger. This is really a win-win for all involved in soccer in the Panhandle."
Lauffer stated that the new affiliate partnership will allow HPD players, who compete at a higher level, to travel abroad to train within the academy’s top teams. The FC Dallas partnership program also provides insider access to professional team and coaching staff, player development models, training methodology, curriculum, camps, clinics, and college programs.
"We recognize that talent can come from anywhere, and not just talent, but opportunities for what's next. There are lots of kids in the Panhandle, lots of kids in Amarillo that are looking to explore their capacity to arrive at their best level, and that could be high school soccer, college soccer, professional soccer, or just being involved," said Chris Hayden, Vice President of Youth Soccer, Academy Director for FC Dallas.
As stated during the announcement, this opportunity will be available for both male and female athletes throughout the Texas Panhandle area. Lauffer stated that he looks forward to making more local connections to raise their scouting range and opportunities.
HPD states that scholarships are available to cover any additional costs with traveling, but that the new partnership will not incur any additional costs. Registration for the upcoming fall academy will open in September.
For more information, visit HPD online at https://www.fcdallashp.org/ or follow them on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: High Plains Drifters partnership with FC Dallas opens doors for soccer
