The Chicago Fire Soccer Club today announced the tryout dates for their 2010/11 Academy teams. Set for May 24-25 at Toyota Park, the tryout sessions will be held for players at the U18, U16 and for the first time, U14 age levels.
Founded in 2007 As part of Major League Soccer's Home Grown Initiative, 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 fourth Academy season and launching our U14 team with these tryouts," said Fire Youth Development Director John Dorn. "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.
