After a long season of elite-level trainings, tough competition, and quality playdates, NorCal Premier Soccer’s Player Development Program calendar culminates this Sunday with the final playdates for the girls and boys 04/05 age group at Davis Legacy Soccer Complex.

Each of the regional titles are still up for grabs this weekend, and several scouts from the US Soccer Training Center will be on hand to look for tomorrow’s national team stars.

“It’s a long process for a lot of the players that started back in August, numerous trainings,” said PDP staff member David Robertson. “To be selected for one of the regions is a big honor. For the coaches, it’s great to see the progress of the players.”

In the race for the title, the Region 3/4 girls will be favored to win, having amassed a 3-0-0 record thus far in the five-game round robin style season. Just behind Region 3/4 are Region 6 (2-1-0) and Region 7 (1-1-1).

Meanwhile, on the boys side of the action, Region 7 leads the way, having scored 15 goals to come out to a 3-0-0 record. With matching 2-1-0 records, the Region 8 and Region 6 boys are just behind in the standings.

But the purpose of the playdates aren’t just about results — development of these elite players is the main goal of PDP.

“All teams play NorCal’s style of play with a possession-based focus,” Robertson said. “You won’t see goalkeepers punting the ball or anything like that.”

“Sunday’s matches are the climax of the season,” Robertson added. “The kids will be working hard for it.”

Regardless of what happens on the field, a festive and positive environment is both preached and expected, with respect for the game, referees, opponents, and coaches put on the forefront of PDP in molding the minds and habits of young athletes to improve both as players and as people.