He's not the biggest.

Players from the El Camino Football Club scramble around Rabobank Stadium. Teams with kids as young as age 7 and as old as 14 split up across the turf and race around in a flurry of drills and practice games.

He's not the tallest.

Whistles ring out in waves, with coaches as well as the likes of ECFC vice president Julio Sanchez and technical director Sergio Herrera calling out instructions and encouragement.

But he's one of the best in the country.

Thirteen-year-old center attacking midfielder Jose Vasquez — a part of the standout 2006 boys' team, Real Madrid — breaks free from a defender in a practice game. He corrals the ball and deftly weaves around another defender before firing a shot towards goal.

That technique and skill got the attention of U.S. Club Soccer and earned him a spot on a 2006 boys national soccer team who he'll compete with in Europe in six weeks.

Making the cut

Before Vasquez was named to the team, he and players from across the country participated in the id2 program — an opportunity for players to be scouted by the U.S. Soccer National Teams for free.

The program was created by U.S. Club Soccer, an Olympic Development Program, in 2004 and starts after primary scouting and information from the club coaches and trainers.

"It brings about the top performers in the nation and to create a select group that will travel to other countries and venues to play," ECFC vice president Julio Sanchez said. "To get to those camps you have to make it on the regional selection team, so the pool is thousands of players."

Both Vasquez and his teammate Yair Miranda made the cut for the id2 program in Chula Vista.

"It was good because I wouldn't be alone," Vasquez said of having Miranda there too. "But I made friends with the other players so it was okay."

Players that participate in the id2 program are narrowed down to 18 finalists and rosters were announced Jan. 19, with Vasquez included on the roster.

"From a very young age he's shown a lot of grit, effort and been tactically savvy with the ball," Sanchez said. "He knows how to play individually or with a group and he works hard, both in school and practice three times a week."

A star-studded Salinas squad

It's tough to stand out on a team with the ECFC.

With nearly 30 teams under one club, including the 2004 boys' team — which was a national runner-up two years ago — there's a lot of talent on the field.

Vasquez's Real Madrid squad? Gotsoccer.com, a rankings and database provider for youth soccer in the U.S. and Canada, has them as the no. 1 team for 2006 boys.

Best in the state, region, U.S. and Canada combined.

These kids primarily come from Salinas but also have players that come from Gilroy, Soledad, Seaside and other areas throughout Monterey County starting at 7 to 8 years old.

"We get a lot of these guys after they've played in recreational leagues when they're really young," Sanchez said. "We've expanded to include more girls teams, too, and were hoping to have more in place for even younger kids."

Herrera cites the continuity in coaches as a major role in their development.

"(Vasquez) happens to have his uncle as his coach," Herrera said. "Juan's done a great job not only with Jose but with all those kids who he's had since they were 7, 8 years old."

But it doesn't hurt to have a talented pool of kids in the first place.

"We have the infrastructure here to help them out with whatever we can," Herrera continued. "We just create the atmosphere and environment for them to succeed."

International play

The final 18 players of the id2 camp take off for Europe in mid-March, with the squad gathering in New Jersey March 13 before taking off for the U.K. March 16.

"I felt happy and proud of myself," Vasquez recalled about when he found out he'd made it as one the players.

Though they'll be training and playing games from the 13th until their return flights on the 24th, there's time included to go sightseeing and experience things off the pitch.

"It's an excellent opportunity," Sanchez said. "Both the soccer aspect and his development of playing against professional academy programs from Europe and the overall social aspect, educational aspect and cultural aspect of going somewhere new."

All expenses for the trip are covered by U.S. Club Soccer, meaning Vasquez can focus on the experience without financial pressure.

"I look forward to doing my best and getting a chance to play against some European teams," Vasquez said.

With players from the ECFC going on to high schools like Salinas, Everett Alvarez and Alisal, this recognition and achievement goes a long way.

"He's a pioneer," Sanchez said. "It opens the door because now people can look at our club and the area and say, 'there's got to be more Joses within that environment'... they have someone to look up to aspire to and hopefully can follow his lead."

"Vasquez and those older players, they're really role models for the younger players," Herrera said.

Ayrton Ostly peruses Twitter, fields, courts and tracks throughout Salinas looking for stories from the community. Have a tip? Drop an email to aostly@thecalifornian.com and subscribe for full access to all of The Californian's local news coverage.