Philadelphia Independence to Host Open Tryouts

The Philadelphia Independence women’s professional soccer team announced today that open tryouts will be held for prospective players on Dec. 8 and 9.  The two-day combine will take place at the official training home of the Independence, United Sports Training Center in Downingtown, Penn. This will give players the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of Independence head coach Paul Riley.

The event allows the Independence coaches to examine potential picks before January’s WPS Draft while also giving free agents or players who were not picked in last year’s draft the opportunity to earn a spot on the roster.  Regardless of a player’s current status, they are invited to the to compete in the event.
 
General manager Terry Foley believes that the tryout is a great opportunity for both the Independence and potential players. 

“As an expansion team in the league, it is important for us to use every avenue available to bring in top talent, so we knew hosting a tryout was crucial.  We are hoping to see a lot of great players come out and prove themselves at this combine.  I think every team is looking for that one player that could make the difference next year in the WPS, and I’m hoping that’s the type of player we will identify during the two-day showcase.”
 
Over the course of the tryout, players will participate in tactical and technical training sessions and compete in a series of small-sided and full-field games.  Sessions will be run by Riley, who will select the camp’s top performers to compete in an All-Star match at the end of the two days.  The tryout is open to any player that completes the online registration and is at least age 18 as of March 1, 2010.  Interested players are required to pay a fee of $100 and must complete the online registration.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Philadelphia Independence and the WPS. Kat Galsim is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report and Sports, Then and Now and serves as the beat writer for the Washington Freedom. PHOTO CREDIT: www.womensprosoccer.com

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