Philadelphia Union have teamed up with USL-PRO Harrisburg City Islanders to jointly host an open tryout December 18 and 19, the clubs announced today. The event will be held at the Net Sports Complex in Palmyra, Pa., the home training ground of the City Islanders, and attended by Harrisburg and Philadelphia technical staff.
“These tryouts are another great example of the mutually-beneficial relationship between the Union and City Islanders,” said Philadelphia Union Manager John Hackworth. “We’re excited to see the talent that comes out to compete over the two day event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get a good look at players who we think can be a part of our development system and ultimately contribute to the Union first team.”
The two organizations, who have been exclusive partners since March 2010, will look to start the player identification process early for the 2014 season. In 2014, the Harrisburg City Islanders will continue to compete in the USL PRO, the second highest level of professional soccer in the United States, Canada, and Caribbean.
“Every year this is our biggest event of the year, said Islanders coach Bill Becher. "The fact that we partner with the Union brings out a higher level of talent. We have found several top players in this combine over the past few years and we expect to find a few more quality players this year."
Over the past three seasons, the Union have signed various players as a result of their partnership with the City Islanders, including defender Sheanon Williams and forward Yann Ekra.
Tryout Information:
Trialists will be required to pay a $140 registration fee in advance. Payment must be received before the coaching staff will review your application. The fee will only be processed if your application is accepted. Notification will be sent via email by Dec. 11, 2013 to confirm or deny acceptance. If accepted, trialists will also receive detailed information including directions, hotel and restaurant options in the area.
All trialists must be in the country to register. All student-athletes should confirm eligibility to participate with their respective college, university or the NCAA. The tryout will consist of a warm-up, shooting, small sided and full field games. Attendance on all training sessions during both days is required.
Tryout Schedule:
Tuesday, Dec. 18
- Player Registration: 8:00-8:45 a.m.
- Session 1: 9:00- 11:00 a.m.
- Session 2: 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 19
- Player Registration: 8:00-8:45 a.m.
- Session 1: 9:00-1:00 p.m.
- Session 2: 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Address:
Net Sports Complex
798 Airport Road, Palmyra, Pa. 17078
www.inthenet.com
Facility & Equipment:
Artificial grass indoor field. There will be no locker room or changing room. Restrooms will be on site. Cleats and shin guards must be worn at all times during the tryout. Players will be responsible for bringing their own training gear.
Hotel Options:
Players are responsible for their own accommodations. The Harrisburg City Islanders have made arrangements with hotel partner, Ramada Inn, Hershey/Harrisburg. To acquire a hotel room at the Ramada Inn, please.
- Call the hotel directly at (717) 652-7180
- Ask for the "Pro Tryout Discount"
- Room options
- Single room cost per player $55 (plus tax)
- Share a double room with another trialist is $ 27.50 (plus tax)
- Hotel address: 300 N. Mountain Rd, Harrisburg, Pa. 17112
- Restaurant adjacent to the hotel is available
If player needs transportation from the Ramada Inn to In the Net, a taxi service will transport you daily for a small fee. Please advise the hotel staff by Monday, Dec. 17 if you are interested in transport arrangements.
Transportation:
All travel is the responsibility of the trialist. The training facility is 30 minutes outside of Harrisburg in Hershey, Pa.
- Train-Amtrak: Harrisburg (717) 232-3303 www.amtrak.com
- Bus-Greyhound: Harrisburg (717) 255-6970 www.greyhound.com
- HIA Airport- Harrisburg International Airport www.flyhia.com
- Keystone Cab- Harrisburg (717) 234-4400
- Capital City Cab- Harrisburg (717) 939-6363
Questions:
Please send all questions regarding tryouts to protryouts@cityislanders.com. Harrisburg City Islanders Office can be reached at (717) 441-4625.
