Tryout dates for new, free-of-charge Academy program set

[July 7, 2017 – Harmon, Guam] The Guam Football Association technical department recently released its latest schedule for the 2017 United Airlines GFA National Academy, with open trial sessions beginning Jul. 24 at the GFA National Training Center.

The new program, with support from Japan Football Association, will run for 20 weeks from Jul. 31 to Dec. 15, featuring six boys divisions and three girls divisions. The 2017 program and the open trial sessions are free-of-charge for the players, and only a maximum of 16 athletes for each of the nine divisions will be selected, among other changes from previous years.

“As a result of a recent Technical and Development Strategic Plan Workshop held last month in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders and with the support of the GFA Executives, we’ve fine-tuned programs and their objectives for our elite football athletes, including the National Academy,” said Belinda Wilson, GFA Technical Director.

“We’ve determined that the Academy’s objective is to produce players who have excellent technique, excellent knowledge of the game, and who are respectful, humble, independent, passionate, and have a sense of family and community. Our environment is to retain and attract elite players by providing ongoing support and pathways to the first team and ensure players who enter the first team have reached their full potential, as well as have the necessary skills and education to be successful in other environments.”

All youth athletes within the birth year range of 2003 to 2008 are invited to participate in open trials for selection to the new program. Tryout registration forms are available at the GFA Main Office or online for download at http://www.guamfa.com/national-academy-forms All registration forms must be submitted to the GFA Main Office or via E-mail to [email protected] before 6 p.m. Jul. 17.

The schedule of open trial sessions are based on gender and age division and players must check in at least 15 minutes before their respective trial session. The division listing is below:

GIRLS

• U10 Girls: July 24 & 25 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

• U12 Girls: July 27 & 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

• U14 Girls: July 26 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and again July 29 beginning at 4 p.m.

BOYS

• U9 Boys: July 27 & 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

• U10 Boys: July 25 & 26 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

• U11 Boys: July 24 & 25 beginning at 7 p.m.

• U12 Boys: July 26 & 27 beginning at 7 p.m.

• U13 Boys: July 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and again July 29 beginning at 4 p.m.

• U14 Boys: July 28 beginning at 7 p.m. and again July 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Particularly for the U13 and U14 age divisions for both boys and girls, parents must include a copy of their child’s U.S. passport and/or birth certificate. Additionally, for the U13 and U14 age divisions, players must choose between field player and goalkeeper.

For inquiries, contact the GFA Main Office at 637-4321 or send an E-mail message to [email protected]