First round of Tryouts to begin on July 21 and 22
Liberty High School - 6:30 – 8:00pm

“If there was another program in this country that gave players this much quality competition over the past ten years, none of us have seen it!” said Rob Baarts, Head Coach for the Men’s Division at F.C. Portland Academy and Director of the Development Academy Program, and Assistant Coach for the Men’s team at the University of Portland.

“What our players saw day in and day out – the level of competition, the intensity of play and skillfulness of opposing teams – has helped each and every player who committed to this program get better in quantum ways.” Baarts continued.  “For those players who truly want to prepare for their college careers and expand their options on the largest youth soccer stage in this country, this will continue be the program.”

Dealing with the potential amount of travel amid rising fuel costs was one of the biggest concerns entering the initial season and yet, the final costs were with eight percent of what the most active travel teams in the State of Oregon spent during their competitive year.  Few teams in the league were forced to travel as the F.C. teams were, but this year, the schedule will allow for increased economy for the Academy players.

From a player’s perspective, the year was unlike any other for them. 

Joey Sleven and Gerald Buxton spoke briefly to the U11 to U14 parents and players at the All Academy gathering in June.  “For us to be in every game against the highest level of competition each week was an incredible experience” Sleven continued, “we saw pace, ball handling skills and physical strength each week – and while we were never intimidated, we did learn what it takes to be the best.”

Buxton added, “We want to add more good players to this team and into this program for the new competitive and training year.  I like the fact that we pushed ourselves against the best.  The games were identical to playing in the Region IV tournament every single week – feeling like you were playing for a national championship every weekend.  I saw our best players getting better.  Imagine if we could add two or three top players from our state and then go out there…”

There will be a series of tryouts and meetings for players and parents who would like to be considered for the Federation’s Academy program and the F.C. Portland teams, beginning with the July 21 and 22 sessions from 6:30 – 8:00pm at Liberty High School, Clive Charles /Varsity Field.

Important:
Registration Information