TORONTO — The Canadian Premier League announced Monday that soccer players from coast to coast will have an opportunity to earn a spot on a professional CPL roster through the #GotGame Open Trials.
Canada’s new men’s professional soccer league will host these trials in seven cities across the country beginning in September.
The Canadian Premier League’s national trials are open to males aged 16 years and older. Canadian Premier League coaching and technical staff will be in attendance for the full-day sessions to assess participants.
Former Canadian men’s national team star and Canada Soccer Hall of Fame member Alex Bunbury will lead the trials in each location.
So, you #GotGame? @atibahutchinson pic.twitter.com/SMDzr6E1lx
— CanPL (@CPLsoccer) August 24, 2018
“This is a league for Canadians, by Canadians, and we 100 per cent believe there are professional level players across this country who have yet to be unearthed,” said CPL commissioner David Clanachan. “As we look to create a pathway for our homegrown players to develop and showcase their skills, the #GotGame Open Trials will be a great opportunity to see first-hand the talent that both exists in this country and needs real opportunities to prosper.”
There will be a trials registration fee of $200 per person to cover the costs of running the trials. The fee will cover the following: A detailed performance evaluation summary including fitness test results, as well as access and exposure to CPL coaches, administrative fees, lunch and refreshments at each session, CPL training shirt, bag and armband, access to medical staff at sessions (if required).
Any additional funds remaining following the trials will be reinvested into soccer in each market.
Tryouts will be held over a period of two days. On Day 1, each player will be evaluated through a series of fitness exercises and testing, soccer specific drills and assessments.
At the end of Day 1, a limited number of players will be selected and invited back for Day 2, which will focus on small-sided and 11 vs. 11 games.
Registration opens Aug. 29. and is required in advance of the trials. Interested participants can go to canpl.ca/gotgame.
#GotGame Open Trials Schedule
Halifax: Sept. 20-21
Montreal: Sept. 27-28
Hamilton: Oct. 1-2
Toronto: Oct. 11-12
Winnipeg: Oct. 18-19
Calgary: Oct. 25-26
Vancouver Island: Nov. 5-6