Ranch's Premier to host national tryouts

The Clearwater Chargers and the Premier Sports Campus of Lakewood Ranch invite soccer players to the United States Soccer Federation Development Academy tryouts from 6-8:30 p.m., May 4, at the campus in Lakewood Ranch.

“This is the highest level of youth soccer in America,” said Tim Mulqueen, Lakewood Ranch’s director of sports. “They will be looking for 22-24 players for each of the two teams tomorrow night, and we expect players from all over the state to show up. The tryouts are open to the public.”

Tryouts are for two teams — under 18 (1993-1994) and under 16 (1995-1996). Players in the academy have gone on to represent the U.S. with the National Team and often become professional players.

“Being a part of the U.S. Soccer Academy means you are one step away to being on the national team,” said Rob O'Nan, president of the Clearwater Chargers. The Chargers' Korey Veeder and Zack MacMath, two Academy players, were drafted by Major League Soccer teams Columbus and Philadelphia this year.

Tryouts for the club’s competitive teams will take place from May 31 through June 6 for ages 4-19, and sign-up for the recreational league will begin in August. The Clearwater Chargers also are looking for an administrative staff, coaches and assistant coaches for their Premier Sports Campus program.

Anyone interested in these positions or more information about all of the tryouts can visit www.chargerdevelopmentacademy.com for academy information, www.clearwaterchargers.com
for club information or email [email protected].