PORTLAND, Ore. –
The Portland Timbers today announced the club’s 2009 tryout schedule, which will include a new open tryout in addition to the annual invite-only combine at PGE Park. The open tryout will be held January 17-18, and the invite tryout will take place January 23-25.
“These tryouts provide players who are serious about playing at this level the opportunity to be seen, which they may not have had otherwise,” said
Gavin Wilkinson
, general manager and head coach of the Timbers. “With a new open tryout, we are providing another opportunity for local and regional players to showcase their abilities as we look to fill roster spots. As we’ve seen in previous tryouts, I am expecting a high level of competition at both trials.”
The Timbers’ annual invite-only tryout at PGE Park is open to players 18 years of age and older with collegiate or professional experience. In addition to Wilkinson and his staff, coaches from Major League Soccer clubs, other professional clubs and Premier Development League (PDL) teams will be on hand to assess players. The cost to participate in the invite combine is $125.
Players interested in participating in the invite-only combine must submit a resume to Marc Kostic at mkostic@pgepark.com by Monday, Jan. 10. Resumes must include playing history, preferred position(s), vital statistics, coaching references and any additional information such as awards and accolades.
New in 2009, the Timbers will conduct a two-day, open tryout at PGE Park on Jan. 17-18, for players 18 years of age or older. Players interested in participating in the open tryout can sign up online or contact Marc Kostic at mkostic@pgepark.com. Sign-ups will be accepted through the morning of the first day of the open tryout. Timbers coaches will select the top players from the open tryout to participate in the invite tryout the following weekend. The cost to participate in the open tryout is $50, and will increase to $75 starting Jan. 12.
Space is limited for both tryouts. Click here for more information regarding both tryouts.
2009 TIMBERS TRYOUTS DETAILS:
Dates:
Open tryout: January 17-18, 2009 / Invite-only tryout: January 23-25, 2009
Time:
Both tryouts will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with training sessions beginning promptly at 9 a.m. at PGE Park.
Location:
PGE Park, 1844 SW Morrison, Portland, OR 97205
Fees:
$50 for participants of the open tryout, increasing to $75 starting Jan. 12 / $125 for participants of the invite-only tryout. Cash, money order and credit card are accepted.
Other details:
Participants of either tryout MUST bring their own equipment, including appropriate shoes (turf, jogging, cleats, etc.), shin guards and other soccer apparel. Each player must bring / wear a white t-shirt to all trial activities. PGE Park has a FieldTurf playing surface.
