Sockers Looking for a Few Good Players at Poway Tryout

Think you have the soccer skills to play for a 12-time national champion?

You can find out Saturday when the San Diego Sockers hold an open tryout camp at Sportsplex USA in Poway.

Sockers head coach Phil Salvagio will be on hand as camp participants get the opportunity to show what they've got in front of the Sockers coaching staff as they try to earn a place on the Sockers Reserves, and possibly even the indoor-legend Sockers.

The Reserves play in the PASL-Premier division, with regional divisional opponents and the chance to compete for a national championship. The San Diego Sockers play in the upper-division PASL-Pro, where they have won consecutive North American Championships.

Sign-ups begin at 11:30 a.m., with the tryouts starting at 12:30 p.m. and continuing until 3 p.m.  There is a participation fee of $30, payable in cash only on site if you haven't already registered. Participants must be at least 18.

“We are fortunate to live in San Diego where there are so many talented soccer players,” said Sockers’ general manager (and radio personality) John Kentera. “It is our organizational philosophy to build from within and always maintain the depth necessary to continue our championship tradition.

"The Sockers Reserves are a key part of our franchise and many of their players wind up suiting up for the Sockers at some point. This camp is a chance for a player to get noticed and launch his career.”

Just this week, the Indoor Soccer Hall of Fame and its selection committee announced the 12 members who will make up the 2011 inaugural Hall of Fame class.

Six of the 12 inductees came from the Sockers, who won 10 championships in 11 years from 1981-1992 while playing at the Sports Arena. Coach Ron Newman and players Steve Zungul, Branko Segota, Kevin Crow, Juli Veee and Victor Nogueira were the Sockers selectees.

The current Sockers, who open the 2011-12 indoor season next month, now play their games at the Del Mar Arena at the Fairgrounds.

“We have had players come through our tryout camp and make their way onto the team,” said Salvagio. “If you think you’re good enough to help the Sockers win another title, come out and let us see your game.”

Sportsplex USA Poway is at 12349 McIvers Court in Poway.