DPL Launches a New Season of Perform, Connecting Player Recognition With Real Match Insight
The updated program brings coach nominations, live scouting and SciSports-supported analysis together across the 2026/27 season
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – September 25, 2026 — The Development Player League (DPL) has launched its newly formatted DPL Perform program, a season-long approach to identifying and recognizing players through their performances in DPL competition.
DPL Perform begins with club coach nominations and continues through live observation at eligible events and analysis of available match footage. Together, those perspectives give evaluators a broader view of a player’s contributions over time while creating two separate opportunities for consideration: DPL All-Star and DPL International.
“Players deserve to be seen for more than one moment in one match,” said Barry Ritson, President of the Development Player League. “With DPL Perform, we are connecting the people who know these players, the scouts who watch them compete and the match insight that helps tell a fuller story. Recognition should mean something, and every opportunity should be earned.”
The program’s Gold Pin, All-Star Patch and International Pennant mark different achievements. A Gold Pin recognizes a coach nomination into the DPL Perform identified-player pool; a corresponding digital marker appears on the player’s SciSports profile. The All-Star Patch recognizes a player who is selected for and participates in the All-Star experience. The International Pennant recognizes participation in a DPL International experience.
The symbols are not steps that every player must complete in order. All-Star and International selections are separate decisions. Receiving a Gold Pin does not guarantee either invitation, and playing in the All-Star game is not required for International consideration.
Through DPL’s partnership with SciSports, eligible uploaded match footage can add a season-long analytical perspective to coach nominations and live scouting. Player profiles, footage and performance information can also give college coaches and scouts another way to discover prospective players, subject to the footage and platform access available.
The new 2026/27 Perform identification cycle begins at the DPL’s Provo, Utah event on October 1–4, 2026. Additional domestic events are scheduled in Mesa, Arizona; Tampa, Florida; Tucson, Arizona; and Richmond, Virginia. International experiences associated with this new cycle are planned for November 2027 and spring 2028, with destinations and final details to be announced.
The calendar also makes an important season distinction: the London trip in November 2026 and Nice, France trip in March 2027 complete the previous 2025/26 Perform cycle. They are separate from the international experiences being planned for players identified in the new 2026/27 cycle.
Families, players and coaches can explore the program, selection process, season calendar and player recognition at thedpl.com/perform.
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About the Development Player League
The Development Player League is a national, all-girls youth soccer league focused on meaningful competition, player development and opportunity. Through league play, events and programs such as DPL Perform, the DPL works to help players grow and be seen.
