ECNL DISCOVERY - Director Guided Pathway

The ECNL Discovery pathway is a DIRECTOR GUIDED pathway with coordination between Canton Akron United Force and Cleveland Force Directors.


Players are identified by CAU Director's as being standout performers in their respective top regional level teams in the 6 key player qualities. From there, Directors determine if additional training opportunities may be appropriate  as well as potential game opportunities based on performance. Factors such as available roster spots, position, or attributes needed are communicated between Directors.


ECNL Discovery is by INVITATION ONLY (not via request, sign up, or open tryout) and goes through club directors. These opportunities are in addition to a players Canton Akron United team commitments. See the 5 step process below!

6 Key Player Qualities

How it works

  • 1. Player Performance Assessment

    Players are assesed during team competitions and training by their head coach and are an established consistent impact player within the regional tiers

  • 2. CAU Director Identification

    The individual team head coach communicates with the appropriate CAU Director as to the level of the player within their respective pool

  • 3. CAU & Cleveland Force Director

    CAU and Cleveland Force Directors meet about earmarked players discussing the overall ability level as well as team positional needs and availability

  • 4. Invitation Extended

    Once Directors determine a player will receive an invite to a  training opportunity with the ECNL team, an email invitation with the appropriate information will be sent to the family

  • 5. Opportunity Based on Performance

    The player is then evaluated at the invited training sessions. Additional game opportunities (that do not conflict with the Canton Akron United schedule) may become available if there is an available roster spot and position needed