Baltimore, MD (Betting Express) - Major League Soccer and adidas have unveiled a new youth development program named "Generation adidas."

The initiative was announced Thursday at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention, which is being held in Baltimore. The MLS Superdraft will take place in Baltimore on Friday.

Generation adidas is designed to identify and nurture the elite youth soccer talent in the United States. It is the first major initiative of as part of the partnership agreement signed in November between the MLS and adidas. The players who are part of the program will sign with the MLS and receive an adidas endorsement contract.

"Major League Soccer has become the first choice destination for the very best young U.S. players," said MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis. "MLS is excited to join forces with adidas to create Generation adidas, which will improve upon and expand our commitment to identify and develop the top talent in our country."

The 12 players who will kick off the program were also announced Thursday. They are UCLA assist leader Chad Barrett; 16-year-old U.S. National Team midfielder Nikolas Besagno; the nation's assist leader Hunter Freeman of Virginia; South Carolina star goalkeeper Brad Guzan; 16-year-old forward Quavas Kirk; two-time NCAA champion and Indiana defender Drew Moor; classy Wake Forest defender Michael Parkhurst; Hermann Trophy finalist and forward Ryan Pore; young UCLA central defender Tim Ward; U.S. youth national team midfielder Christian Jimenez; St. Louis University leading scorer and Under-20 international forward Will John; and Freddy Adu's strike partner on U.S. youth national teams Jamie Watson.

Generation adidas players will have the opportunity to train with an MLS team, participate in matches and tours featuring international opponents, and receive educational grants for college.

"Generation adidas is another example of this commitment aimed specifically to the future stars of MLS," said Kevin Ross, the business unit manager for adidas America soccer. "Our new exclusive sponsorship of MLS provides a tremendous compliment to our ongoing investment in youth soccer."