KC Wizards Announce Open Tryouts – March 7th and 8th 2009

The Kansas City Wizards will hold open tryouts for players 18 years of age and older on March 7 and 8, 2009. Cuts will be held after the first day. No one is guaranteed a spot at the second day of tryouts. The tryouts, held at either the Wizards Swope Park Training Center or KC Sports Lodge, are open to the first 300 registrants. Finalists will be given the chance to train with the Wizards first team.

In 2008, over 200 players from more than 15 different countries attended the open tryout in Kansas City. The Wizards signed two players from that event, one of whom is now a starter for the Wizards first team. Kevin Souter, a native of Portsoy, Scotland, came to last season’s open tryout and eventually started the final four games of the regular season and the MLS Cup Playoffs. Nelson Pizarro, a standout at Division II Lincoln Memorial University, became one of the top scorers on the Wizards reserve team and played in three MLS games.

For more information, email the Wizards at tryouts@kcwizards.com.

Additional information:

* Must be 18 or older and have no high school eligibility left – those under 18 should look for KCW Juniors tryouts in June
* Finalists will be given a chance to train with the Kansas City Wizards first team in late March 2009 for a final try out and possible contract
* Games played on grass or field turf
* Discount hotel available (limited number)
* All airfare, hotel, food and transportation will be paid for by participants
* Proof of age, name and nationality must be provided with birth certificate or passport at check in or tryout is void
* All participants must sign a waiver of liability and provide proper insurance at check-in or tryout is void (waiver will be provided via email upon registration confirmation)
* Players will be required to provide all athletic equipment and are required to wear shin guards

Register on the KC Wizards website. Note there is a $205 fee to participate.