Even though the NWSL became the first league in the US to eliminate the draft after 2024, identifying young talent remains a top priority. So, to accomplish that goal, the league has announced today the creation of Combines to help young players get adequate opportunities to reach the professional level.
The Combines will take place next December and will be divided into two different categories: the adult Combine (U18-23), which will showcase top college-aged players, and the youth Combine (U13-17),
which will feature select rising talent in order to give both groups a platform in their next step of their careers toward the NWSL.
“As the women’s soccer landscape continues to rapidly evolve, a Combine is a strategic platform that will allow us to support NWSL clubs in early talent evaluation and provide players with exposure to a professional environment,” said Director of Youth Development Karla Thompson. “This initiative is about widening the lens of who gets seen and ensuring that talent, wherever it resides, has a continued pathway to our league.”
According to the league, the adult Combine will include performance testing, competitive matches and opportunities to interact with NWSL clubs for all aspiring professionals, including college graduates, outside of traditional academy systems and for those whose careers may have taken non-linear paths.
On the other hand, the youth Combine will provide training sessions, competitive match play on and off the field educational programming so they can be prepared for the professional environment.
