MLES ID SHOWCASE

-Exciting Announcement-
After last year’s tremendous success and overwhelming demand, MLES Academy is proud to host another Elite German ID Showcase, featuring three active professional coaches from Germany, with MLS representation in attendance as well.

This event gives American players a rare opportunity to train under authentic European academy methodology and be evaluated directly by coaches connected to European Pro Clubs, Bundesliga academies, and Major League Soccer.

- SCROLL DOWN TO FIND REGISTRATION FORM -

Academy will host a German ID-Showcase with several active German professional coaches from December 27–29 in Los Angeles. The Elite ID Camp provides top-level male youth players born 2011–2014 (U11–U15) and 2002–2010 (U16–U23) the opportunity to learn from and be scouted by coaches from Bundesliga academies, Major League Soccer academies such as FC Dallas, or be coached and evaluated by a UEFA Pro License Holder and Instructor at the German Football Association. For three days, all coaches will immerse the selected players in the legendary German football methodology.

Players identified by MLES Academy or the present coaches and scouts will have the opportunity to be invited or scouted for tryouts, including but not limited to joining MLES Academy and more.

This is a unique opportunity for players to learn from several respected figures in German football. All coaches will be advising during training sessions, offering valuable insights into their coaching philosophy and approach, and providing personalized feedback to help players take their skills to the next level.

Whether you are looking to refine your technique, increase your tactical understanding, or simply enjoy a world-class soccer experience, this event promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Main Camp Topics:

- German Football Values
- Possession Play vs Gegenpressing
- Deep Passing & Breaking Lines
- 1v1 Offensive - 1v1 Defensive
- Skill Principles
- Headball Principles
- Finishing Wing, Half Space, center

Spaces are limited — don’t miss your opportunity to train with Markus Pflanz, Thorsten Schmugge, Marcel Lowitsch, Fernando Beer, and additional MLES staff.

COACHING STAR GUEST AT MLES IN MONTH
DECEMBER & JANUARY

Markus Pflanz is a highly respected German professional coach, book author, and recognized expert in Gegenpressing and modern European player development. His coaching career includes influential roles in both Germany and Belgium, where he served as assistant coach and head coach in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, one of Europe’s strongest development leagues. During this time, Markus played a key role in developing players who today compete at the highest levels of international football.

Throughout his career, Markus has coached and helped form a remarkable group of players who went on to major European clubs, including:

    •    Rocco Reitz (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

    •    Ameen Al-Dakhil (VfB Stuttgart)

    •    Daiki Hashioka (Slavia Prag)

    •    Matte Smets (KRC Genk)

    •    Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)

    •    Shinji Kagawa (Cerezo Osaka, former Borussia Dortmund star)

    •    Shinji Okazaki (Career end, former Premier League and Bundesliga striker)

Working in both Belgium and Germany, Markus gained a reputation for identifying young talent early and developing them into complete, intelligent, professional-level players. His approach combines the trademarks of elite German methodology: tactical clarity, high-intensity pressing structures, and a deep focus on positional intelligence, ball-orientation, and counterpressing behavior.

In addition to his on-field work, Markus is also a published author, known for his coaching insights and his ability to break down complex tactical ideas into practical training methods. His expertise in Gegenpressing, transition moments, and modern pressing strategies makes him one of the most knowledgeable instructors visiting the United States today.

CAMP ALSO ATTENDING

GOALKEEPER STAFF - In Cooperation with Seiya Ihara

SCOUTS & PARTNERS

CAMP PRICE, LOCATION & FAQS

What is the cost to register?

• $279 for all 3 Training Days

• Participants must be qualified before enrollment - payment will not be processed until players are accepted.

What is included?

• Official training sessions delivered by MLES and Guest Coaches.

• Training evaluation from professional coaches.

• Potential identification by coaches for their respective Youth Academies & Programs.

• Drinks & Food and Snacks
  
  Where will the camp be hosted?

• Los Angeles Area (Location will be announced soon)

What is the Dress-Code?

• Players receive at the facility a trainings kit.

What does the player need to bring to a camp?

• Soccer cleats

• Shin guards

What is the schedule for camp?

• Camp training sessions will be
  Saturday 27. December 2025 - 09:00AM - 11:00AM (born 2011-2014) & 11:30AM - 01:30PM (born 2002-2010)
  Sunday 28. December 2025 - 09:00AM - 11:00AM (born 2011-2014) & 11:30AM - 01:30PM (born 2002-2010)
  Monday 29. December 2025 - 09:00AM - 11:30AM (born 2011-2014) & 12:00PM - 02:30PM (born 2002-2010)
  Location: Los Angeles Area
  
  A feedback round with coaches, players, and parents will follow the final session.
  
  Can parents stay and watch the sessions?

• Parents will be able to attend training sessions and can watch from a designated area.

Health & Safety Guidelines

• Safety is our first priority. We strictly follow government and facility guidelines to ensure safety for all participants and staff.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR REGISTRATION HERE

MLES Academy and last Event in December 2024 in Los Angeles,CA/Miami,FL.