From July 27 - 30, FC Wisconsin players Emma Jaskaniec and Aryssa Mahrt were in Portland, Oregon, competing with 96 of the best female youth soccer players from across the United States at the 2017 ECNL id2 National Training Camp.

Each of the players selected for the camp were scouted during ECNL competitions throughout the year, or at id2 Training Camps, and all participants were born in 2002, 2001, or 2000.  The National Training Camp featured 3 training sessions and 2 11v11 matches over the four days, and was held at the University of Portland's immaculate soccer facilities for 3 days, before moving to Nike World Headquarters for the final day of competition.

The players worked with some of the best coaches in the country, in one of the most exciting and professional soccer environments possible. Both Mahrt and Jaskaniec were thrilled to be a part of the event.  

"It was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had in soccer," said Jaskaniec.  "The people there weren't just great soccer players, but they were great people too.  It was truly an amazing and fun experience and something I will remember for the rest of my life."

"I really enjoyed being able to play with some of the best players in the country," said Mahrt.  "The competitivenss brought the game to a different level, which I thought was really fun.  But even off the field we experiences so many new and cool things.  It was an amazing camp."

It was the quality of the soccer and their peers that also stood out to both players.  "One thing that really stood out to me was that the girls never had to be asked to work hard or do the extra things to win," said Jaskaniec.  "Everyday the girls came to win and put everything they had on the field."  

Mahrt agreed.  ""Being a part of this camp really showed me the talent and expectations in the ECNL, and what it takes to compete with the best players around the country."

For more information on the camp, and some great pictures of the incredible environment, click here.