Generation adidas and Generation adidas Canada Definition:
These are joint programs between Major League Soccer and adidas that are dedicated to developing exceptional domestic talent in a professional environment. Subject to details below.
Why is the Program Important?
The program, in existence since 2004, identifies high-level youth players in the U.S., allowing them early access to the MLS draft and the ability to bypass college to do so, as well as a guaranteed scholarship if they choose to return to school. Graduates of the program, which is being expanded to Canada in 2017, include Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.
How The Program Works
Each year, a handful of top domestic collegiate underclassmen and youth national team players are signed by the league.
How A Generation Adidas Player Enters The League
The majority of such players enter the league through the SuperDraft (i.e. Prior to the start of the season) In the case that a player was to join the league during the regular season, he would be put through Waivers or enter through the Allocation Process (if on the Allocation Ranking List).
Roster Placement Restrictions
Until a player graduates from the program, Generation Adidas players are on a club’s Supplemental Roster and are not charged against the team’s salary budget.
Former Generation adidas standouts
Former Generation adidas players who turned into league stars include Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, and Darlington Nagbe.