First Round of Talent Centers Held for 13's, 15's, and 17's on Maui

WAILUKU, MAUI – During the month of November, Kanaka Pōwāwae conducted its first round of talent identification through a series of club visits, technical meetings, and player scouting during Hawaii Soccer Federation league matches on Maui.  The identification efforts – led by Kanaka Pōwāwae Technical Director, Ian Mork – culminated in four Ke Kikowaena Lauaki (Talent Centers) held for Maui’s top footballers in the 13, 15, and 17 age groups.  Nearly 150 boys and girls were in attendance.

U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Coach and Scout, Cristiano Scapolo, joined Mork to oversee and evaluate the 15 to 17 boys.  Mork and Scapolo share a five year history in coaching and scouting for U.S. Soccer’s U15 and U16 Boys’ National Teams.  Speaking of Mākaukau Kanaka – the organization’s Talent ID & Development Program – Scapolo said,

“it’s a very good project for [Hawaiʻi players] and for the entire Hawaiian community.”

Vernon Kapua‘ala, Kanaka Pōwāwae President and Chief Executive Officer, added, “one of our core objectives is to create Hawaiian National Teams, yet our mission, our kuleana (responsibility), extends much further.  Talent Centers will benefit all of Hawai‘i’s top players, not just kānaka.” Ke Kikowaena Lauaki will serve as a hub of identification for top talents to participate in Mākaukau Kanaka.  Overall program objectives align with the scouting priorities and opportunities of:

• Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i (Hawaiian National Teams);

• U.S. and other National Teams;

• US Club Soccer’s Hawaiʻi PDP and id2 Programs;

• Collegiate Programs;

• Professional Clubs; and

• MISO Elite and other pertinent organizations.

According to Mork, “it was a great start!  I’m excited about the potential and the work ahead of us.”