Chivas USA Youth Program Will Hold Tryouts at Goals Soccer Center

has announced that the youth talent development branch of Chivas USA will be hosting coed tryouts for its league on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the center.

The center is encouraging its current members to switch to the Chivas USA soccer league as they will soon be handing training responsibilities for the center's league to the Chivas USA youth training staff, a decision that the center feels is in the best interest of young players.

“We have grown to the point that we think it is better for our kids to receive professional training from a major league soccer team,” said Jaime Garcia, director of marketing for Goals Soccer Center. “They can offer a lot more to our players.” 

One thing that Chivas USA can offer that the Goals Soccer Center cannot is the chance to have a child’s talent spotted by a professional sports organization, giving a child the opportunity to consider a career in soccer.

“Now we have professional coaches if they see talent in someone, they can make a call,” said Garcia. “That is something [Goals Soccer Center] can’t do.”

Young players of both sexes born between 1999 and 2006 are encouraged to try out for the coed league. The tryouts are not a contest but rather a test that will determine which team is best suited to a child’s ability.

Beginners and those who have played are all welcome to participate, said Alma Vargas, youth development administrator for Chivas USA. “No experience is necessary,” she said.

Chivas USA trains young players with the aim of nurturing their skills to the professional level. The league encourages parents to bring in children when they are young since it is easier to train players to a professional level when they are just starting to learn their skills.

“It is easier to teach a 5-year-old,” said Vargas.

The tryouts will take place at Goals Soccer Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each player must pay $275 for admission with a $100 deposit upon registration. Those who cannot make it Saturday will have the chance to try out from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday next week.