The Kansas City Wizards announced Thursday that the team will hold its 3rd annual open tryouts from March 13-14, 2010.

The tryout costs $200, and players can sign up and get all the information on the tryouts by going to www.kcwizards.com/opentryout. Any additional questions can be sent to [email protected].

"The last two years we have been pleased with the number of talented players who have taken part in our open tryouts," Wizards Manager Peter Vermes said. "We are always looking to improve our roster, and these tryouts give us a chance to get a look at players who might be trying to take a less conventional route to MLS."

Participants will take part in matches Saturday, with the top players called back for Sunday's session. Finalists will then get the opportunity to tryout with the Wizards first team in March with the chance of securing a contract. Final tryout location and times will be provided to each participant closer to the event.

The Wizards held an open tryout in 2008 for the first time since their inaugural 1996 season, with the event drawing over 200 players from 15 different countries. Two players eventually signed for Kansas City; midfielders Kevin Souter and Nelson Pizarro. Both went on to play in MLS matches for the Wizards in 2008, and Souter started the final four games of the regular season and both MLS Cup Playoff matches for Kansas City. Another 200 participants took part in the tryouts in 2009. Numerous talented participants stood out, and five of the open tryout players were invited back during the season to train with the Wizards.

Kansas City Wizards Open Tryouts March 13-14, 2010 Kansas City Wizards Swope Park Training Center 6310 Lewis Road Kansas City, MO 64132