Soul Tryout Brings Record Turnout

Published on November 18, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release


To say that the Philadelphia Soul's open tryout on Saturday, November 16th was a success is an understatement. More than 1,300 hopefuls, from as far as Oregon, arrived at Temple University's Geasey Field with a dream to play professional football in the Arena Football League.

"The tryout was a great success, there were some quality football players there," said head coach Michael Trigg. "This goes to show that what the owners and coaches have been saying from the beginning, that Philadelphia is a football city. At least 50 of those guys will be invited back for a private workout."

Though the Arena Football League does not keep official totals for individual teams open tryouts, the 1312 official count is believed to be the most in League history. The Dallas Desperados had 1,050 attend their tryout in 2002, which at the time was believed to be an AFL record.

Everyone in attendance was timed in the 40 and short shuttle run and then participated in drills specific to their position. The largest group at the tryout was the wide receiver and defensive backs group, both with close to 250 people registered.

Participants who will be invited to private workouts will be notified by the Soul coaching staff in the near future for a workout in late December or early January.

The Soul will open their season this February 8 against the expansion New Orleans Voodoo on NBC Sports. Season ticket plans are on sale now and can be purchased for as low as $80. For more information on season tickets call 1-888-PHIL-AFL.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 18, 2003


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