PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced the club’s 2010 tryout schedule, which will include the annual invite-only combine and an open tryout. The open tryout will be held January 23-24, while the invite-only combine will take place January 30-31.

The combines are available to players looking to try out for the Timbers or the Timbers U-23s – the club’s development team which competes in the Premier Development League.

“These tryouts provide players who are serious about playing at the highest levels the opportunity to be seen,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and head coach of the Timbers. “We are seeking players who possess the athletic and technical abilities to help compete for championships in the USL First Division and PDL, and possibly take the step to the next level.”

The Timbers’ annual invite-only combine is open to players 18 years of age and older with collegiate or professional experience. To apply, interested players must submit an application form and a resume to Timbers director of soccer development Amos Magee at amagee@pgepark.com by Jan. 22. The combine application form is available online; resumes must include vital statistics, preferred position(s), playing history, references and awards or accolades. The invite-only combine registration fee is $125.

For a second season, the Timbers will conduct a two-day open tryout to help scout talent from across the region. Players must be 18 years of age or older to participate and can sign up online; space is limited. Timbers coaches will select the top players from the open tryout to participate in the invite-only combine the following weekend. The registration fee for the open tryout is $65, and it will increase to $85 starting January 15.

Tryouts in recent seasons have led to the signings of forwards George Josten and Bryan Jordan, midfielder Josh Cameron and goalkeeper Brian Visser. The Timbers U-23s’ 2009 roster was comprised of several combine participants, including standouts in midfielder Jordan Crasilneck and goalkeeper Garrett Staples.

Click here for additional information regarding both combines.

2010 TIMBERS TRYOUTS DETAILS:
Dates: Open tryout: January 23-24, 2010 / Invite-only combine: January 30-31, 2010

Time: Both tryouts will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with training sessions beginning promptly at 9 a.m.

Fees: $65 for participants of the open tryout, increasing to $85 starting Jan. 15. The invite-only combine registration fee is $125.

Other details: Participants of either tryout must bring their own equipment, including appropriate shoes (turf, jogging, cleats, etc.), shin guards and other soccer apparel; tryout activities will take place on a FieldTurf playing surface. Each player must bring / wear a white t-shirt or black sweat top to all trial activities.