COMMERCE CITY - The Colorado Rapids have announced the date for the club's 2008 Tryouts, which will be held on Sunday, February 24, from 10am-3pm at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Prospective participants can apply to take part in the event by visiting www.coloradorapids.com to fill out the online version of the Tryout Application Form.
Due to past popularity the deadline to register is 5pm on Friday, February 8th. Once they have applied, applicants will be notified via email whether they have been accepted to take part in the tryouts by Sunday, February 10th.
Once applicants have been notified via email that they have been accepted to attend, they will be sent a link to a waiver form, which they must bring to the tryouts along with a valid photo identification or birth certificate. Accepted participants will also be required to pay a $50 tryout fee. More details will be sent regarding payment instructions and options in the confirmation email.
The Rapids are inviting any interested players from Colorado and around the world for the opportunity to be scouted by the Rapids to potentially join the team for the fourth season in a row. Prospective players should be male, no older than 25 years of age, and should have extensive collegiate and/or professional experience.
Colorado native Stephen Keel was one of the success stories from the Rapids' Open Tryouts in the past as he was spotted and subsequently signed from the 2005 Tryouts and helped the Rapids Reserve squad win back-to-back MLS Reserve Division Championships in 2006 and 2007.
Coaching staff from the Colorado Rapids, including head coach Fernando Clavijo, along with coaching staff from adjacent professional soccer franchises such as the Colorado Rapids U-23 squad, Rapids Academy, and other local soccer clubs will be on hand to scout all participants.
Please note that this tryout is for individuals who have completed their college eligibility. Since this tryout takes place during the NCAA calendar, any underclassmen participating in this event could jeopardize their college eligibility per NCAA rules. Therefore, the Colorado Rapids will not accept college underclassmen for this event under any circumstances.
Medical insurance is recommended, but not necessary, for tryout participants. Prospective participants understand that the Colorado Rapids, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, and/or Dick's Sporting Goods Park are NOT responsible for any medical costs associated with a participant's injury that may occur during the tryout. Prospective participants agree to be responsible for any and all such costs resulting in any personal injuries that may occur.
COLORADO RAPIDS 2008 TRYOUTS DETAILS:
What: The Colorado Rapids 2008 Tryouts give prospective players from around the world their once-a-year chance to be scouted by the Rapids coaches and potentially be acquired by the team.
When: Sunday, Feb. 24, 10am-3pm
Where: Dick's Sporting Goods Park (6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO).
Why: To identify local and international talent and give soccer players an opportunity to showcase their skills in a professional environment in hopes of making the squad.
Fees: $50 per accepted participant
What to Bring: Accepted participants should show up in full outdoor gear, with all required equipment, cleats, a ball, food and water, and be ready to play in any weather condition.
Have questions about the tryouts? For more information, call the Rapids Tryouts Hotline at (303) 727-3577.
