JAXUSL’s Mauricio Ruiz joined with youth soccer experts, players, parents, coaches, administrators, scouts and referees in Tampa to share his collegiate coaching and professional experience during events around the USL Academy Cup.
The former JU head coach and UCF assistant coach featured on an expert panel discussing the college recruitment process sponsored by Kwik Goal, helping coaches, players, and parents to better understand the player recruitment process both at the collegiate and professional level.
Ruiz, JAXUSL’S technical advisor, joined with Xavier University Men’s Associate Head Coach Shaun Mahoney, and Clemson University Men’s Associate Head Coach Phil Jones on the expert panel.
He and his fellow panelists were able to offer first-hand insight into understanding what a scout may be looking for during the recruitment process, along with how young players could find ways to gain exposure and be seen more often.
Speaking from Tampa, Ruiz said: “This has been a great opportunity to better understand the USL Academy system, how current clubs in the league are using this model to help promote youth players into their first team, as a pathway to pro, while also supporting their local soccer communities in the development and growth of players, coaches and clubs.
“The level of the of players and teams at USL Academy Cup is comparable to any of the major events I’ve seen around the country in my time as a college recruiter. The competition level on the field, quality of facilities, referees and operations provided a great experience and excitement for all involved.”
And the JAXUSL technical advisor, added: “I had the opportunity to network with several of the Academy & Technical directors of the USL Pro clubs, to gain some idea on what works and doesn’t work in their markets. We ultimately want to create a top environment for our youth players in the Jacksonville area, so it’s important to learn from others and adapt it into our community as each region is unique.
“We’re excited to help build a pathway to pro in Jacksonville, using several of the mechanisms that our USL league currently provides and I’m confident we’ll create one of the best environments for youth development in the country, by working with ALL of our local youth clubs and systems already in place.”
The USL Academy Cup events also featured discussions around pathways to professionalism for young players including panels on the USL’s commitment to the growth of women’s soccer, presented by SELECT, youth development workshop presented by VEO, career pathways in soccer, presented by Bellevue University, and a special panel on men’s player pathways featuring Tampa Bay Rowdies Player and USLA Assistant Coach Leo Fernandes, presented by Currex.
The week-long events also included an EPL Watch Party presented by Hisense before the USL Championship match between Tampa Bay Rowdies and Birmingham Legion at Al Lang Stadium.
