A Peoria youth athlete has been selected to the U.S. Club Soccer's id2 National Selection Team.

Cyrus Kowall, 14, was one of only 18 boys in the country in his age group to be selected.

He also plays for Phoenix Rising FC.

Gerry McKeown, head coach of the id2 National Selection boys team and id2 boys program director, said Cyrus is a gifted young athlete with athleticism that creates problems for opponents.

"His ability to dribble at speed makes him an exciting prospect for the future," McKeown said. "In addition to being able to break down defenders in one-versus-one battles, he also has the ability to finish chances and score goals."

The national team competed in England, April 1-10, playing against academy teams in and around London and Manchester.

Established in 2004, U.S. Club Soccer’s id2 National Identification and Development Program provides an opportunity for the country’s elite youth soccer players to be identified and developed, and scouted for inclusion in U.S. Soccer’s National Team programs, according to their website.

Directors of the program implement curriculum and direct activities.

The id2 Program is also an Olympic Development Program approved by the United States Olympic Committee and the U.S. Soccer Federation.