Chicago Fire Announce 2011 Academy Tryouts

July 7, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release

CHICAGO, IL (July 7, 2011) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club today announced the tryout dates for their 2011/12 U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams. Set for July 13 at the Toyota Park Turf Field, the tryout sessions will be held for players at the U16 and U18 age levels.

Founded in 2007 as part of Major League Soccer's Home Grown Initiative, Developmental Academy members that spend a minimum of two years in the Chicago Fire's Player Development program are eligible to be signed directly by the club, rather than enter the MLS SuperDraft where they can be selected by any of the league's teams.

"We're looking forward to kicking off our fifth Academy season and building off the success our Development Academy teams have had over the past few years," said Chicago Fire Academy Director Larry Sunderland. "Major League Soccer's Home Grown Initiative gives great incentive for us to further our reach in the Academy arena and we view this program as the best way to develop area talent into Fire professionals one day."

Fully funded by the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, the Academy's only criteria for selection is a player's ability and potential along with a desire to become a professional athlete. Online registration can be downloaded at www.chicago-fire.com/content/fire-academy.

Team Try Outs Location

Chicago Fire U16 Academy

(Boys 1995 & 1996 Age Groups)

Wednesday, July 13 5:00pm-6:30pm

Toyota Park Turf Field, 7000 S Harlem Ave

Bridgeview IL 60455

Chicago Fire U18 Academy

(Boys 1993 & 1994 Age Groups)

Wednesday, July 13 6:30pm-8:00pm

Major League Soccer Stories from July 7, 2011

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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