The first match for each team will arguably be the most anticipated, as Leeds United FC pits its boys academy team against the visiting id2 National Selection boys team. Leeds United’s men’s first team includes a pair of id2 alumni fresh off a World Cup appearance: Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams. Teammate Weston McKennie participated in a Player Development Program (PDP) in the former Texas Pre-Academy League.

On the girls side, Everton FC stands out for its senior team’s prestigious place in the top division of English women’s football. Four days later, the id2 National Selection girls team plays a less widely known opponent but still challenging Haringey Girls Academy, which has won eight national titles in the Junior Premier League and four national futsal championships.

• View 2023 id2 National Selection boys and girls rosters

The matches take the teams to several sites in England, which speaks to the value of cultural immersion on this trip. These clubs offer unique training styles and developmental experiences that the id2 National Selection teams will see first-hand. Cultural immersion isn’t limited to matches and training sessions, though; the American delegation will also attend professional men’s and women’s games and tour stadiums in Manchester and London.

The 2023 id2 National Selection International Tour officially begins March 30 with a two-day domestic camp in New Jersey before traveling to London and Manchester. The tour, which concludes April 11, represents the final progression of the current id2 age group cycle targeting players born in 2009.

The id2 Program is a leader in player identification and development, as it provides opportunities for elite athletes to be identified, developed and scouted for inclusion in U.S. Soccer’s youth national team programming. The id2 Program is an Olympic Development Program approved by the United States Olympic Committee and the U.S. Soccer Federation. There is no cost for players to participate or be scouted, and all meals, lodging and gear are provided by US Club Soccer and Nike. For the international tour, all travel costs are also covered by US Club Soccer. This approach to eliminating barriers to entry helps ensure the best players are able to participate.

Follow @USClubSoccer throughout the 2023 id2 National Selection International Tour on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for coverage.